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The Dáil voted 86-70 to advance legislation eliminating the mandatory waiting period before abortions up to 12 weeks. The bill now moves to the health committee.
channel4.comThe Dáil passed a Sinn Féin bill to remove the three-day mandatory wait for an abortion in the Republic of Ireland by a vote of 86 in favour and 70 against. Under current law there is a three-day waiting period between GP consultations and a termination up to 12 weeks. The bill will now go before the health committee for further scrutiny.
The Taoiseach voted in favour of the bill. The Tánaiste also voted in favour. Government TDs had a free vote on the issue as a matter of conscience. On Tuesday, Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan said the legislation was about "trusting women".
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the passage of the legislation marked "an important step forward for women's healthcare and one of the most significant changes since we voted to repeal the 8th amendment". She added that "women, healthcare providers and campaigners have long called for this unnecessary barrier to be removed".
Minister for Children Norma Foley said she would vote against the legislation.
She said the current law was "part of what was put to the people" during the abortion referendum in 2018. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said he believes there is "no public appetite" to remove the three-day wait. Fine Gael TD Peter Roche said he was informed by the number of women who change their mind during the three-day wait period.
Abortions are allowed if two doctors determine there is a condition likely to lead to the death of the fetus either before or within 28 days of birth. The Labour Party called on the government to go further and implement all the recommendations made in the review of abortion legislation by barrister Marie O'Shea in 2022.
O'Shea also recommended removing the threat of criminal sanction for medical professionals found to have acted outside the provisions of the abortion legislation and removing the 28-day mortality clause.
rte.ieUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday he will step down after less than two years in office. Andy Burnham, sworn in as MP for Makerfield the same day, confirmed he will run for the leadership.
nbcnews.comPresident Trump will meet Wednesday with executives from the largest U.S. defense contractors. The session follows a March White House gathering and administration steps to increase weapons output while curbing shareholder returns.
nypost.comIran will allow United Nations nuclear inspectors back into the country after two days of talks in Switzerland. The agreement opens a 60-day window to address Tehran's nuclear program and frozen assets.