A split is emerging among GPs over a legislative bill that would remove the 3-day wait before having an abortion.

Over 100 doctors so far have signed a petition addressed to the Oireachtas urging them to retain the waiting period and opposes the stance taken by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGPs).

The petition says there is “no clinical basis” for the proposed removal of the three-day wait.

The wording seems a direct response to a HSE representative telling an Oireachtas committee that there was “no clinical reason” to retain the waiting period.

“Not all women who attend a GP for a first consultation on abortion are certain about their decision. A substantial minority of women change their mind in the ensuing days”, it reads.

“The Medical Council’s Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics (section 15) states that informed consent should provide time for patients to consider the information before making a decision, and that the process should factor in the nature and complexity of the procedure.

“Given the irreversible nature of an abortion, it is our belief that the current reflection period offers a reasonable and appropriate safeguard for women”.