A matter of sound judgment

■ With the upcoming referendum on the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, I have been contemplating how the Irish electorate may vote.

The Irish people have long been known and loved for their ‘soundness’,: to always lend a smile, help those in need and wave to every person you meet on the road. We are not a judgmental lot.

While our institutions have let us down and treated our most vulnerable in awful ways, we have not let this dampen our compassion and empathy.

Fear of the unknown is a powerful thing. Due to the shame and stigma perpetuated by these very institutions, we are now in a position where there is a lack of understanding regarding the underpinning reasons why a woman may need to choose an abortion.

Facebook pages like ‘In Her Shoes – Women of the Eighth’ arm the public with the real stories behind abortions. I would urge anyone wanting to make an informed decision to seek out real stories about real people.

I believe, as in the marriage equality referendum, our soundness will shine through once again, showing ourselves and the world that we have well and truly shaken off the bonds of our repressed and judgmental past.

We are a people of love and compassion.

Aine O Neill

Ardrahan, Co Galway