As the debate intensifies over Ireland’s abortion laws, a recent poll reveals that a majority of citizens support maintaining the mandatory three-day waiting period before an abortion can be performed. This comes amid discussions on proposed legislation aimed at eliminating this requirement.
Commissioned by the Pro Life Campaign and carried out by Amárach Research, the survey indicates that 55.3% of respondents who have an opinion favor keeping the waiting period, while 44.7% support its removal.
The survey was conducted among 877 people between July 28 and August 4, 2026.
The findings emerge as a Sinn Féin bill, which proposes to abolish the three-day wait, progresses through the legislative process, having secured an 86–70 majority at the Second Stage in the Dáil before the summer recess.
Eilís Mulroy, representing the Pro Life Campaign, expressed satisfaction with the poll results.
“We are very encouraged, though not surprised, by these results,” she stated. “Public support for retaining the three-day reflection period has been evident for months and, if anything, appears to be strengthening.”
Mulroy highlighted the importance of the waiting period, noting that “majority support already exists, even before the case for retaining the three-day wait has been given anything approaching a fair hearing.” She emphasized the lack of attention given to women who choose to continue their pregnancies after the waiting period.
Critiquing Sinn Féin and others in favor of removing the wait, Mulroy accused them of attempting to dismantle the measure without adequate debate.
Parliamentary records cited by the Pro Life Campaign reveal that in five years, 10,534 women did not proceed with abortions after the three-day period had elapsed.
Mulroy noted, “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.”
She further criticized the lack of consultation with women who have experienced the waiting period, accusing proponents of the bill of neglecting their perspectives.
This conversation is unfolding as Ireland’s abortion laws continue to draw political focus following the 2018 referendum that legalized abortion.
Over 65,000 abortions have occurred in the Republic of Ireland since the introduction of abortion services in 2019, according to the Department of Health. In 2025 alone, 10,600 abortions were reported, showing a slight decline from the previous year.
The Pro Life Campaign has repeatedly called for policy reform, advocating for enhanced support and information for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
Mulroy argued that abolishing the three-day wait could potentially lead to increased abortion rates.
The issue also intersects with discussions on the Government’s proposed Leave for Pregnancy Loss Bill, which would allow women five days of paid leave if their pregnancy ends before 23 weeks, whether due to abortion or miscarriage.
Megan Scallan, spokesperson for the Life Institute, criticized the proposal, suggesting it was inconsistent to offer paid leave after an abortion while seeking to abolish the three-day reflection period.
Mulroy concluded, “As more people hear the full case for retaining the three-day reflection period, we believe public support will grow even stronger.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
