New poll findings released today show strong public backing for the retention of the three-day reflection period before an abortion. The results come as a Sinn Féin bill to abolish the three-day wait remains under consideration in the Dáil, having passed Second Stage by 86 votes to 70 shortly before summer recess.
The latest survey commissioned by the Pro Life Campaign was carried out by Amárach Research. The fieldwork took place between 28th July – 4th Aug 2026. A total of 877 respondents participated in the poll.
Of those who expressed an opinion, 55.3% of respondents voiced support for retention of the three-day wait, while 44.7% favoured its removal.
Commenting on the findings, Pro Life Campaign spokesperson Eilís Mulroy said: “We are very encouraged, though not surprised, by these results. Public support for retaining the three-day reflection period has been evident for months and, if anything, appears to be strengthening.
“What is particularly significant is that majority support already exists, even before the case for retaining the three-day wait has been given anything approaching a fair hearing. For example, the voices of women who have gone ahead with their pregnancies after the three-day wait have not yet been heard. Sinn Féin and others have been relentlessly using the airwaves to attack this important safeguard, while at the same time avoiding proper head-to-head debates on the issue.
“As more people hear the full case for retaining the three-day reflection period, we believe public support will grow even stronger. Replies to parliamentary questions show that, over a five-year period, 10,534 women did not return to proceed with an abortion after the three-day period had elapsed. That’s an incredible figure and one that, in our view, proves the life-saving impact of the waiting period. We hear from women all the time about how important the reflection period was to them in providing that extra space to think through such a profound and life-altering decision.
“It is truly shocking that Sinn Féin and other backers of abolishing the three-day wait didn’t even take the time to formally consult with any of these women before pressing ahead with their agenda to get rid of one of the last remaining safeguards under Ireland’s abortion on demand regime.”
ENDS