Ireland votes in historic referendum
Ireland on Friday headed took part in a vote on a historic referendum on whether the country should liberalise its strict abortion laws.
The intensely debated laws in the Catholic country ban abortions in most cases, prompting thousands to travel abroad for termination or pregnancies.
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar voted in favour of overturning the laws, tweeting afterwards: “It’s a big YES from me”. Reports from Dublin said a large number of Irish women based abroad, including in India, have travelled there to cast their vote to repeal the eighth amendment of the Constitution.
Heavy voting was reported in most polling booths that will remain open until 10pm local time, suggesting that the result is likely to be close.
The referendum is the latest development in the long-drawn campaign to liberalise abortion laws, which prevent termination while the foetus is live, even if medical diagnosis point to a threat to the mother’s life. It has a strong counterpart in the “No” campaign.
The “Yes” campaign was catalysed by the widely-publicised death in 2012 of Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar, 31, who died when she was refused abortion even when there was a threat to her life.
She was told that Ireland is a Catholic country, and laws prohibited abortion.
If the country votes to overthrow its abortion laws, Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution would be removed and replaced with an enabling provision stating: “Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.”
Under the Varadkar government’s plans, if the vote is “Yes”, terminations would be accessible within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
A woman would seek a termination from a medical practitioner, who would have a legal obligation to discuss options with her. Beyond the 24th week of pregnancy, there will be no abortions except in the cases of fatal foetal abnormalities or when there is an immediate risk to the mother’s life or health.
LONDON: