Men should vote yes in the 8th says SF Councillor

SINN Féin Councillor Chris MacManus has said that some men feel the upcoming referendum is an issue they should stay out of as it doesn’t directly affect them.

“They’re wrong. I would ask them to vote Yes and trust women.” Councillor MacManus was speaking in Coolaney, as he and Sinn Féin activists canvassed seeking support for a Yes vote.

Councillor MacManus said: “The upcoming referendum affects our communities and our society. It affects our Mums, wives, daughters, girlfriends, sisters, aunts, and friends. Men need to talk about this issue and they need to come out and vote. And I would ask them to trust women and vote Yes.

“As someone who wasn’t old enough to vote the last time, I don’t believe that those who voted to put the 8th Amendment into the Constitution in 1983 ever intended for any woman to die, but some women have died or have suffered serious health complications.

“It has become clear that the eighth amendment is not just about abortion, but access to women’s health. Consultants have been obstructed from providing proper healthcare to many women. The fact is that we have been exporting this issue instead of dealing with it here.

“Therefore, in two weeks’ time I’m calling for a Yes vote in the referendum to safeguard women. This well give their doctors and health professionals protection.”