870 women chose not to have abortion after three-day waiting period

Figures from the Department of Health show that while there were 7,536 initial consultations for aborting a pregnancy, 6,666 abortions actually took place.

The Department released the figures following a recent parliamentary question from TD Carol Nolan.

Ms Nolan said that the figures show that many women have not “bought into” the efforts to normalise abortion.

“The message we are supposed to believe is that abortion is a ‘simple medical procedure’,” Ms Nolan told The Irish Catholic. “The data suggests that many women have not bought into that notion even after going in for an initial abortion consultation.”

Value

The Laois-Offaly TD said that the figures also highlight the value of the waiting period, which some argued should not have been implemented at all.

“There is a value inherent in the waiting period,” she said. “Clearly not all women who present to GP’s or abortion providers come back for a second consultation. We now know that for a fact.

“Simply removing the waiting period is not in the best interests of women who may have been under pressure to attend the first consultation. By retaining the legislative and regulatory provisions around the three-day waiting period we increase the chances of saving hundreds or thousands of lives.”