The Pro Life Campaign (PLC) today said newly released information confirms that Ireland’s three-day wait period prior to having an abortion remains a vital safeguard that should be retained.
In a reply to a Parliamentary Question* tabled by Deputy Carol Nolan TD and answered on the 5th January, the Minister released figures showing that in 2022 and 2023, 3,933 women didn’t return for a second abortion consultation with a GP following the waiting period.
This information added to previously released data confirms that between 2019 and 2024 there were 59,401 first consultations with GPs under the abortion legislation, but 48,975 women returned for a second consultation. This means that in that 5 year period, 10,426 women did not return** after the three-day waiting period, i.e. between 17% and 18% of women.
Responding to the data she received, Deputy Carol Nolan said:
“Any attempt to eliminate the 3-day reflection period can now be seen for what it is; a morally reckless capitulation to an extreme abortion ideology.”
Eilís Mulroy, spokesperson for the Pro Life Campaign, said:
“The latest figures follow a consistent pattern across six years: around one in six women do not return after the reflection period. That represents many thousands of women who may have accessed extra support, found alternatives, or simply needed time and space. Any attempt to remove the reflection period would dismantle a safeguard that clearly makes a difference in real people’s lives.”
Referring to the attempt last month by Paul Murphy TD of People before Profit to resurrect a Bill which would – among other things – remove the three day waiting period, she continued:
“Our political representatives should be prioritising the provision of positive support for women in unplanned pregnancy, including access to practical assistance and counselling, rather than seeking to weaken existing protections. No woman should be rushed into a life-changing decision.
“The latest data released strongly reinforces that the reflection period is working and should be retained”, Ms. Mulroy concluded.
*PQ 72028/25 provides data released on 5 January 2026 on abortion consultations with GPs during 2022 and 2023. Sources for data from all years are available on request.
**“Did not return” includes all reasons (change of mind, miscarriage, hospital abortion etc.), but the consistent 17–19% rate across years indicates the reflection period has a measurable impact.