In Ireland Voters will be going to the polls in May to cast their vote on liberalising the country’s restrictive abortion laws.
Voters will be asked whether they want to repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, which gives equal right to life to the mother and the unborn, and replace it with new wording to allow Irish referendum on abortion to be held by end of May, Taoiseach says.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Ireland already had abortion, but it was unsafe, unregulated and unlawful.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Ireland already had abortion, but it was unsafe, unregulated and unlawful.
Mr Varadkar said he had thought “long and hard” before deciding to support abortion without restriction in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
He said he came to that view after listening to medical experts, the public, his own Fine Gael party, ministers and friends. “Above all I have listened to women,” he said.
Terminations are currently only allowed in the Irish Republic when the life of the mother is at risk and the maximum penalty for accessing an illegal abortion is 14 years in prison.
A special convened parliamentary committee also recommended abortion be available up to 12 weeks of pregnancy without a woman having to explain her decision.
“I know it is a very personal and private issue and for most of us it is not a black and white issue, it is one that is grey – the balance between the rights of a pregnant woman and the foetus or unborn.
Mr Varadkar added, “I want the debate to be respectful on all sides and it should never be personalised.” “For my part I will advocate a yes vote” and ministers will be free to oppose the Government and take different positions on the contentious matter.
Health Minister Simon Harris said: “Just because an issue is complex or sensitive it does not mean it can be ignored.
“I welcome the decision the government has made. It is very important to stress any legislation to amend constitution would remain subject to review.
>Juthy Saha