Time to repeal the 8th
Madam Editor,
I would like to address some of the points raised by Maura McCaughey in her letter ( We are lucky to have the 8th amendment in Ireland at present - Sligo Champion, 22nd August). Ms McCaughey states that there is no such thing as “restrictive abortion.” This is inaccurate. Every country with legal abortion has restrictions and term limits attached. In the U.K. most abortions take place prior to the 12th week of pregnancy and only 0.02% is classed as ‘ late term.’
Later term abortions are carried out for specific reasons only – usually where the life of the woman is threatened or when the foetus will not survive.
The letter writer states that abortion rates in England and Wales increased over time following the introduction of the 1967 Act there. This would certainly appear to be true. However, what she fails to consider is that, before then, every abortion was carried out illegally - risking a jail sentence for the woman and her doctor/assistant. Abortion statistics were not kept until after the introduction of the 1967 Act, therefore, it is impossible to accurately calculate the number of abortions carried out before then. The figure of 1 in 40 is very likely to be a highly inaccurate reflection of the true number.
Ms McCaughey also claims that every abortion…. “exposes the mother to the risk of serious psychological and physical harm.”
This is simply not true. According to anti -choice campaigners there is a condition known as “post abortion syndrome”. However, it is not included in any medical or psychiatric manual. It is in fact a completely fictitious “condition.” Legal abortion carried out under medical supervision by a fully trained doctor is a very safe procedure. Carrying a pregnancy to term has more risks attached to it for the woman than safe, legal abortion.
We are not “very lucky” in Ireland to have the 8th Amendment – it does not protect the rights of everyone as Maura McCaughey claims. A little-known impact of the 8th amendment is its effect on all pregnancies. In June 2017, AIMS Ireland (Association for Improvement in Maternity Services, Ireland) admonished Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for referring to the “abortion referendum“stating:- “AIMS Ireland would like to remind Leo Varadkar that the 8th amendment affects EVERY pregnancy in Ireland. The 8th is directly cited by the HSE as a barrier to consent in continued pregnancy & childbirth. It affects your care in miscarriage. It affects your care in a healthy wanted pregnancy.
It affects your right to say “no” as well as your decisions on where, how & with whom you feel safest in your care. It diminishes your legal rights. It prevents evidence based care. It affects the care our midwives & obstetricians are allowed to provide. Language is important. Language is powerful. We must demand the appropriate terminology, repeal of the 8th amendment, and open this conversation to include the full ramifications of this outdated and unsafe constitutional amendment.”
It is absolutely shocking that competent adults are prevented from consenting to treatment in Irish maternity units. I agree whole heartedly with AIMS Ireland – the 8th amendment does not protect women and it is beyond time it was repealed. Women in Ireland deserve access to comprehensive, rights based reproductive healthcare – including abortion when and if required.
Yours Sincerely, Maria Gibbons Glencar