The HSE has been strongly attacked by the Pro-Life Campaign following its appearance before the Oireachtas Health Committee this week.

The Committee is considering a Sinn Fein bill that would abolish the mandatory 3-day waiting period before a woman can have an abortion.

Representatives of the HSE spoke in favour of the change, claimed there was no ‘clinical reason’ for retaining it, although the main reason it exists is to try and save unborn lives.

Responding, the PLC said: “The HSE came before the Oireachtas Health Committee on Wednesday effectively campaigning for the abolition of the three-day wait, yet failed to produce a single cogent piece of evidence to support its removal.

The delegation claimed there is “no clinical requirement for a mandatory three-day waiting period.” In doing so, they sought to turn the debate into a medical and clinical one, but the reality is that the vast majority of abortions are carried out for socio-economic reasons and 98% of abortions take place under the ground where no reason for the abortion has to be given.

It is totally misleading for HSE representatives to convey the impression that they possess some special authority or insight when it comes to deciding whether the three-day wait should stay or go.”

Political Editor, Pat Leahy, noted in The Irish Times: “It is unusual for a State body to express a view on a policy matter before the Oireachtas, especially one as sensitive as abortion”.