Dr. Catherine Conlon:

It is an important point. Some people go in and they are really only learning about what the care entails in the first consultation. Then they have to make a decision. For most people, if the service is undertaken at less than ten weeks' gestation, they will self-manage at home. They have to think about how they put those logistics in place, including ensuring they have childcare and an appropriate setting. Some people are out of home or in house shares. They need to put in place the conditions that allow them to self-manage the care process. They must understand the care process and work out with their care provider - their GP - what is the most appropriate date to begin the process in order to be able to self-care through it. That is why retaining two fully funded consultations under the model of care is important. There were people who were fully informed, had read the HSE information and went into the GP appointment fully clear on wanting to progress and have the care administered on the same day, only to be told the three-day wait requirement prevented them from being able to do so.