Carlow-Kilkenny TD hits out at three day waiting period for access to abortion services

Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Féin TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, has hit out at the current three-day waiting period to access services for the termination of pregnancy.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Funchion said her main issue and difficulty with the waiting period is 'its total distrust of women and the suggestion that they somehow need extra time to consider or think about this'.

"I just do not believe we would see this if it related to an area of men's healthcare," she said.

"It goes back to the same mindset of distrust all the time. I look forward to the legislation on the removal of the three-day waiting period also progressing.

"I will mention the hospital in Carlow-Kilkenny. It is based in Kilkenny but it services the counties of Carlow and Kilkenny. It does not provide abortion services at present, although I believe that is changing, hopefully by the end of this year.

"I believe somebody will come on-board in September who is willing to provide the service, which is welcome. I look forward to that for women in those counties who need to access that service.

"It is five years since we repealed the eight amendment and as I find myself often saying in this Chamber around issues that disproportionately affect women, everything seems to be a battle, and if it was not for the women and the advocacy groups that continue that battle, would we actually be here?

"I look forward to the day when we can be in here discussing issues that are not both long overdue and years in the making."

Currently in Ireland, there must be at least three days between being certified and having the abortion procedure. This is the law.

For example, if you are certified on a Monday, the earliest you can have an abortion is Thursday.

According to the HSE website, 'this delay of at least three days can give you time to decide if you want to go ahead with the abortion'.

A recent review of abortion law, commissioned by the government, has recommended that the mandatory waiting period become optional.