EXCLUSIVE — Esme’s open-letter: “The 3-day wait was my saving grace. Abolishing it would be catastrophic”

Esme* discovered she was pregnant at an extraordinarily difficult time in her life. Between a plethora of unresolved issues and a severe mental health condition, the news of pregnancy was not received well by herself or her partner. As a result, abortion was suggested and encouraged.

However, due to the three-day wait, Esme said she had time to breathe and think after that first appointment. She had time to realise that aborting her unborn child would not be the answer, and it would not solve any of the issues in her life. As a result, Esme is blessed with a baby who she cannot imagine her life without, who has filled her life with purpose.

As you read her powerful testimony below, it is worth keeping in mind that the politicians in the Dáil who are pushing to scrap the three-day wait are relying on a review that admitted to not speaking to a single woman, like Esme, who has benefited tremendously from the mandatory period of reflection. 

Are these politicians in Sinn Féin, Social Democrats, Labour, People Before Profit and even the Tánaiste and Taoiseach, bothered to seem as if they’re acting in the best interests of the public, or are they quite content to be perceived as being ruthlessly driven by a culture that has no regard for human lives, both born and unborn? 

*Name has been changed to preserve anonymity

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Esme’s testimony

“It was in 2024 when I discovered that I was pregnant. This was not welcome news for me or my partner. I had a plethora of unresolved issues and a severe mental health condition to contend with. I had just about reclaimed emotional and mental stability. The timing could not have been worse.

For a litany of reasons, the option of abortion was suggested and encouraged. At this time there was a three day wait which was a saving grace in my experience. I was so traumatized and did not know what to do. Deep within I knew I had the resolve and strength to continue with the pregnancy.

I cannot imagine life without my baby.

I believe that abolishing the three-day breathing space is unacceptable and that any woman needs time to adjudicate, reflect and contemplate before making a decision that could be detrimental.

I cannot imagine life without my baby. My life has been enriched and filled with purpose now. If the waiting period remains abolished this will be catastrophic for almost every woman.

I was told many things by those involved in my care plan that never materialiZed and my baby is happy, beautiful and a delight. So it is imperative for the cooling off time to be reintroduced. Because when someone makes a rash and irreversible decision with respect to any major situation it is often followed by regret and a lifetime of damage that is irreversible.

There are so many crisis supports there for a woman who faces a crisis and unplanned pregnancy and these are immeasurable. They do not sway you and always uphold the dignity and free will of a woman. 

I was told many things by those involved in my care plan that never materialised and my baby is happy, beautiful and a delight.

But Gianna Care and community connect gave unwavering support and I reached out to them because I was distressed and rapt by anxiety and fear.

I think that every decision needs time and if a woman changes her mind and regrets choosing abortion where can she turn to? If it is an impulsive decision, it is prompted by fear. Will there be follow up support after this decision?

If I had taken the abortion route I do not know how I would have lived after. I would like to ask that the wait and cooling off period is reintroduced. Will those who are responsible for this provide support to those affected by the turbulence and trauma of making an uninformed decision? Will there be any support there?”

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