We trail behind on abortion law

■ I have noted that when it comes to many of the pro versus anti-choice discussions, that it usually comes down to an atheistic versus religious movement, the views of each being extremely different.

As the same-sex marriage was put through, the pro-choicers saw this as a step forward to be more catering for different people, giving the public the choice to marry either male or female partners. The opposition saw this as a step backwards, thinking the general population was straying further from their religious views.

They believed they had to protect this by oppressing someone else’s beliefs and this would force them closer to their’s. An acceptance would have been a kinder and more genuine approach, instead of damnation and threats. How many people were alienated by this and left the Church because of this nonacceptance?

Equally, anti-choicers believe forcing a group of people to stay oppressed will better this country, and refraining the option of choice is the way to move forward. There is a certain opinion and viewpoint that is taken on without thought, without being critically analysed or discussed, as it is just easier to listen and accept, even after the numerous times the Church has been proven to be inherently evil and destructive.

It also seems so banal and silly to justify why an abortion can be a necessary option for some women, as it so easily implies other women are doing it for the wrong reasons. If each individual woman has made up her mind and acquires what will hopefully soon be a legal and safe abortion, then that should be the right reason. A Dáil should not continue to enforce such a fundamental law, where once again, Ireland is trailing behind all major European countries in basic options for their people.

But will we move forward to a brighter future?

Jannik Pietzsch