Fine Gael members outline the reasons for a Yes vote on May 25
At a public meeting in Gormanston, Fine Gael members campaigning for a yes vote in the upcoming referendum outlined the need to repeal the Eighth Amendment.
Fine Gael Minister and TD for Meath East, Helen McEntee, said: “It is time to remove the Eighth Amendment from the Constitution.
“Women have suffered enough. Over 170,000 of them have made the lonely journey abroad since 1980. We have heard the tragic cases of Miss A, Miss B, Miss C, Miss D, Miss P, Miss X, Miss Y, Amanda Mellett, Siobhán Whelan and Savita Halapanaavar.
“We cannot continue to look the other way. Let’s make sure we have a caring and compassionate society for women who face crisis pregnancies, fatal foetal abnormalities and significant health complications in pregnancy.”
Fine Gael local Councillor Sharon Tolan said: “I think it’s really important that we acknowledge abortion is already a reality for women in Ireland. 170,000 women have travelled abroad, under a cloud of shame, afraid and alone, since 1980. Today nine women will have travelled abroad for a termination and three more will have taken illegal abortion pills with no medical supervision.
“Life just isn’t black and white, and it’s time we started supporting women in crisis here in our own country, instead of putting them on a plane or a boat and exporting the problem, so that we can pretend it’s not happening. It’s also important that we acknowledge that every crisis pregnancy is unique to each woman, whether it’s as a result of rape or incest, a fatal foetal abnormality, or simply an unwanted pregnancy, and no woman reaches the decision to have an abortion easily.
“At least if it’s here in our own country, with the support around her, she will have the time to reflect on her options and make a decision without the stress, pressure and danger of having an illegal abortion.
“I would hope that people will consider these realities when they vote on the 25th May.”
The meeting also heard from GP Dr Mark Murphy who outlined the difficulties for doctors working under the current legal framework. He spoke about how the Eighth Amendment has caused major, well documented problems for the medical profession in caring for pregnant women in Ireland.
Over the coming weeks, Fine Gael members in favour of a Yes vote will work to ensure that members of the public have the facts and that they hear from the experts to help them make this important decision.
Ministers, Oireachtas members, Councillors and party members will take part in national events, local canvassing and social media activity, as well as working with medical and legal experts and representatives from the Together for Yes campaign.