Abortion referendum call
The Oireachtas must now respect the will of the Citizens’ Assembly members and call a referendum without delay.
That’s according to the Repeal the 8th Sligo ARC group.
Convener Denise O’Toole said: “The Eighth Amendment affects all aspects of obstetric care in this country, it is a constant barrier to women’s equal rights, and its removal will be a huge step forward for the rights of women, girls, and pregnant people in Ireland.
“We have told our stories, engaged and participated in the citizens assembly as we believe in democracy. It hasn’t been easy. The citizens have been on a journey as many people are in Ireland on the subject of abortion. The conclusions they reached affirm our belief that the country is ready for change, for decriminalisation of abortion and for supporting women’s choices. We would like to encourage people living in the Northwest to have the conversations and join the campaign.”
Denise continued: “It is vital now that the yet to be established Oireachtas committee recognises the will of the assembly members. I’m calling on North West politicians locally and at national level in particular to face the issue. Their silence has gone on far too long .”
“The Citizens Assembly has voted in favour of abortion access with no restrictions within the first 22 weeks of pregnancy. The Abortion Rights Campaign does not advocate for gestational limits, as we know they become a barrier to the most vulnerable access services. However this looks to be a huge step forward for abortion access in Ireland and we welcome that the Citizens’ Assembly has chosen choice.”
“The best way to meet the needs of abortion seekers in Ireland, and to ensure access to those who need it, is to decriminalise abortion and to introduce of free, safe, and legal access. Currently, the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Act ( PLDPA) only allows abortion in extremely restrictive circumstances – it is not fit for purpose, and a new legislative model that follows the same pattern will not be good enough.”
“Thousands of people have marched on the streets over the past months and years to call for a referendum to repeal the 8th Amendment.
“Some 87% of the Citizen’s Assembly participants believe that the 8th Amendment cannot remain in its current form.
“The Government now has a clear mandate to call a referendum and introduce broad legislation on this issue.
“It must do so if it is to respect the process which it insisted on introducing. Any delay in this regard must be considered as an attempt to undermine the work of the Assembly and the rights of women, girls, and pregnant people in Ireland.”