Ireland’s Dáil passes legislation proposed by Sinn Féin to remove the mandatory three-day wait for abortion services in early pregnancy. Multiple outlets report that the bill advances after Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald announces the party will bring the proposal before the Dáil, with Government TDs taking part in a free vote. The change would remove a delay that campaigners say is an unnecessary restriction on access to abortion care.
Reporting also notes that a similar bill was previously brought forward by the Social Democrats but was defeated in a Dáil vote in May. The current Sinn Féin bill, after passing the Dáil, proceeds to the next stages of the legislative process, including review by a parliamentary committee, with further steps expected later this year or into next year.
Coverage highlights that the legislation specifically targets the three-day waiting period included in earlier arrangements and would allow earlier access to abortion medication following the required procedure. The outcome reflects continued efforts within the parliament to reform abortion access rules.
