Over 10,000 women in Ireland have not attended a second appointment for an abortion indicating the three day waiting period is saving lives and must be retained, according to the Pro Life Campaign.

The Minister for Health released figures showing that in 2022 and 2023, 3,933 women didn’t return for a second abortion consultation with a GP following the waiting period.

In total, between 2019 and 2024, 10,426 women did not return for an abortion after the three-day waiting period following an initial consultation with a doctor, i.e. between 17% and 18% of the total.

In response, Deputy Carol Nolan said: “Any attempt to eliminate the three-day reflection period can now be seen for what it is; a morally reckless capitulation to an extreme abortion ideology.”

Eilís Mulroy, spokesperson for the Pro Life Campaign, said the figures show many thousands of women may have “accessed extra support, found alternatives, or simply needed time and space” before rushing into abortion.

“Any attempt to remove the reflection period would dismantle a safeguard that clearly makes a difference in real people’s lives.”

She added: “The latest data released strongly reinforces that the reflection period is working and should be retained”.