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The tender age of just 19, Molly Keane is already an accomplished internationally-known photographer. 

The Donegal native was sitting studying for her leaving cert when she got a call that would set her career in motion. She was one of 12 contestants selected for the Sky Arts Master of Photography competition. 

"When I applied I thought I didn't have a hope. To be picked out of 10,000 entries from across Europe was amazing. I moved to Rome to take part, it was a bit mad- I even missed my mocks!

“It was an absolutely amazing experience.”

Thanks to the publicity and recognition from the competition, Molly was able to move to Dublin last summer to begin her career as a professional photographer. She now works with portraits, live music and conceptual photos. 

 

'Green Dream' (2018) #portrait #selfportrait 35mm #me

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As a young Irish woman, it was inevitable that she would get involved with the campaign to repeal the Eighth. 

“I’ve always been pro-choice. It might not be for me personally but I would never take that choice away from another woman.  Having children is a personal choice, and not one that I’d ever make for another woman. The eighth amendment makes getting help during crises pregnancies a lot hard than it needs to be.”

Using her photography skills to encourage "difficult conversations", she gathered inspiration from the well-know photo-blog, Humans of New York. 

“I’ve always loved the idea of Humans of New York. Putting faces and words to big issues really personalises them. I wanted to do my bit with photography and social media to promote the Yes vote.”

As part of the series, Molly has photographed an "eclectic" mix of people, from men, to grandparents, to young mothers and people with disabilities. She also snapped big-name Irish celebrities such as Jack Gleeson, director Lenny Abrahamson and musicians May Kay from Le Galaxie and Faye O'Rourke of Little Green Cars.

“There are so many different reasons to vote yes. That’s why I made a specific effort to photograph people from all different ages and genders. No two women are the same, and neither are their reasons for wanting repeal.”

But perhaps the most compelling portrait she's captured was her first, of her own mother. 

“When the repeal debate first started, mum wasn't really sure about repealing. After lots and lots of difficult conversations I could start to see where she was coming from. She had never experienced a crises pregnancy; myself and my brothers had been planned and wanted. She never had any difficulties during pregnancy that so many women have. She realised that she came from a privileged position. Eventually we came to a level of understanding, she’s the first portrait I captured for the series.”

In the run up to the most divisive vote in Ireland's recent history, it can be all too easy to forget the real people affected by the eighth amendment. Molly's fabulous portraits remind us to humanise the debate. Take a look at some of our favourites here:

"Although personally, abortion is never something I would choose for myself, I am very pro-choice because I understand that even if you are against abortion, it’s going to happen. Anyone with half a brain can see the impact it has on women; the awful effect the 8th amendment has and the trauma and shame it creates in this country"- Elena 

 

"The 8th should never have been put in our constitution. It makes Irish women less safe and less free, and blocks progress towards laws based on rationality and compassion rather than superstition and the impulse to control"- Lenny Abrahamson. Director of Room, Frank, What Richard Did and Garage. 

 

 

‘It’s often assumed that disabled people are inherently anti-choice. People with disabilities are being used as an argument against repealing the 8th. I’m pro-choice because people should have the freedom to make their own decision. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done as far as respecting people with intellectual and physical disabilities, and I don’t see the anti-choice side offering any of that. Young girls with intellectual disabilities who have been abused can’t access abortions here and have been forced to carry a child to term. I do think that there’s a lack of respect towards people with disabilities from the pro-life side. We’re being used as props in this referendum. People need proper access to reproductive health around their disability. At the end of the day, it’s sick, poor and disabled women who suffer most under the 8th. The most sensible thing to do is to trust women, because there are so many complicated issues when it comes to healthcare. It’s a doctors job to help people and save peoples lives but the 8th amendment handcuffs them. The burden of the 8th falls on marginalised people, including women with disabilities often. I really hope that Ireland stands up and votes for Repeal, it’s long overdue.’ (HUMANS OF REPEAL, Ferdia) #HumansOfRepeal #Together4Yes #TogetherForYes #RepealThe8th #Repealproject #Portrait #YesforRepeal #portraitpage #politics #ireland #dublin #postthepeople #theguardian #tpj #woman #womensrights #feminism #photojournalism #35mm #abortionrights #analog #analoguevibes #trustwomen #REPEAL #HONY #8thref #Documentary #abortionreferendum

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"It’s often assumed that disabled people are inherently anti-choice. People with disabilities are being used as an argument against repealing the 8th. I’m pro-choice because people should have the freedom to make their own decision. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done as far as respecting people with intellectual and physical disabilities, and I don’t see the anti-choice side offering any of that.

"Young girls with intellectual disabilities who have been abused can’t access abortions here and have been forced to carry a child to term. I do think that there’s a lack of respect towards people with disabilities from the pro-life side. We’re being used as props in this referendum.

"People need proper access to reproductive health around their disability. At the end of the day, it’s sick, poor and disabled women who suffer most under the 8th.

"The most sensible thing to do is to trust women, because there are so many complicated issues when it comes to healthcare. It’s a doctors job to help people and save peoples lives but the 8th amendment handcuffs them. The burden of the 8th falls on marginalised people, including women with disabilities often. I really hope that Ireland stands up and votes for Repeal, it’s long overdue"- Ferdia

 

"I think in this day and age every woman should have the right to decide what they do with their own body"- Peggy

Follow Humans of Repeal here! 

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So I'm writing this article as a YES voter, who has a mother, Grandmother and extended family from Sligo.

I grew up in this beautiful county, which is so rich in culture and beauty.

One of the most admired landmarks in Sligo is Ben Bulben mountain.

WB Yeats is buried beneath it, and it is a symbol of the true beauty of our country.

That was, until it was defaced with plastic, making a political statement.

A group called Sligo for Life spent the early hours of this morning erecting a sign, which refers to Ireland's upcoming referendum on removing the Eighth Amendment from the constitution. 

Simply stating 'NO' in large white plastic, the sign is diminishing the beauty of the mountain. 

Earlier today, Sligo County Council made a statement: "As the land where the lettering was placed is commonage, Sligo County Council has no role in this matter."

I am all for allowing both sides to have their say, but honestly, this is too bloody far. 

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With the referendum only weeks away, men have been coming forward to show their support for the yes vote.

With the outcome of the referendum impacting all people, the conversation is incorporating more and more voices. 

Vogue Williams has often voiced her support for the campaign, and now her fiance is following suit. 

Spencer Matthews has joined the throngs of men encouraging the Irish public to vote yes. 

The Hunreal Issues uploaded a snap of Matthews rocking a classic Repeal badge in the shape of the now iconic Maser Repeal heart. 

 

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The referendum to repeal the eighth amendment is shaping up to be the most divisive vote in a generation. 

With about 30% of voters still undecided which box to tick on the 25th of May, we ask two Irish millennials which way they're voting and why. 

Clare, 23, is an Arts student and advocate for the no vote. Aura, 23, is a journalist and volunteer for Migrants and Ethnic Minorities for Reproductive Justice (MERJ). 

Why are you pro-life/pro-choice?

Clare: The conversations I have with my pro-choice friends usually boil down to one question: Is this a life or not?

I recently watched a video of my cousin’s 11 week scan. It really was the most adorable thing! The little baby is stretching, waving their little hand and wiggling around. We found out at just 9 weeks the baby’s eyes have colour in them, and it’s mouth has tiny taste-buds, and at 10 weeks the little baby’s heart is already beating at 180 beats a minute – that’s three times faster than your own heart!

If we are voting to legalise abortion in Ireland, we really must evaluate what it is we are choosing. Most countries legalised abortion before ultrasounds were widely available. Abortion sadly targets a baby that is most definitely alive before an abortion and is not alive afterwards.

This time yes is a step backwards.

 

Aura: I am pro-choice; we must start trusting women in Ireland to make decisions over their body and lives by making abortion accessible here.

The 8th amendment hasn't stopped abortions from taking place, it has made them more difficult to obtain and adds unintended consequences in maternity services.

Activists who secure pills, doctors abroad that perform abortions and ordinary citizens who give women support following a termination are doing the job of our health service.

Some of us cannot travel due to legal status, finances or commitments at home – this means that the 8th amendment disproportionately affects migrant women and women that cannot afford to or who cannot arrange childcare.

As an Irish citizen I am privileged to vote in this referendum, something that many migrant and ethnic women cannot do, despite making up to 39% of maternal deaths in Ireland.

Savita, Miss Y and now Aisha Chithira are the most well-known examples of migrant women who received appalling healthcare, due to the 8th.

What do you think about termination in cases of fatal fetal abnormality, rape and incest or when the mother's life is at risk?

Clare: Would it surprise you to know that we already have legal termination in Ireland? And I agree with it? In 2016, 25 legal terminations were carried out, all because the mothers’ lives were at risk. The 8th Amendment allows for women to receive the best treatment during pregnancy, for their lives and for their babies’ lives to be looked after ‘as far as is practicable’. Therefore a legal termination can be carried out if the woman’s life is in danger.

My heart goes out to anyone who has ever experienced anything like this. They are what people call the ‘hard cases’ and they constitute a very small percentage of all abortions. In the referendum on the 25th May however, we are not being asked to vote to allow abortion in these circumstances. This vote on abortion goes much further.

In May, we are voting to allow for abortion on-demand up to 3 months and abortion up to 6 months on vague mental health grounds (it’s in the bill).

 

Aura: A person who has been raped has been denied their consent. They find out they are pregnant and their consent is then taken again under the 8th amendment. There is no compassion in denying a person the right to end a pregnancy they did not want.

It is unthinkable for people experiencing a fatal fetal abnormality (FFA) to travel abroad for a necessary healthcare service and then figure out the logistics of bringing their child’s remains back to Ireland.

I think the conversation should be expanded a bit too. 

Issues with legal status, housing and financial uncertainty are legitimate reasons for not wanting to continue a pregnancy. Can we not have the same compassion for the asylum seeker in Direct Provision, the college student or the woman facing homelessness?

Why do women need to be brutalised or deathly ill before we give them bodily autonomy?

How do you think the pro-life/pro-choice campaign has been doing in the run up to referendum?

Clare: The word on the doors all over Ireland is that the extreme abortion laws the government are pushing do not sit well with the Irish people. We can take nothing for granted, but I am confident the Irish people will come out and Vote No in May.

In the UK, 98% of abortions happen because of social reasons. The top two reasons given as to why a woman seeks an abortion are because 1. she was not supported and 2. she was not financially able. Knowing this, if we as a society offer abortion as a solution instead of real positive social supports, then surely the fault lies with us.

I truly believe the Irish people are a compassionate and caring people. Positive options exist for women in crisis pregnancies, but they are underfunded and under-discussed. I hope that after the referendum, more attention and focus is given by the government to these services.

Now is an opportunity to build an ever more supportive society for women and children.
 

Aura: Their claim of abortion up to six months is a fallacy. The proposed legislation is for 12 weeks. Because of the similarity of the wording with UK law, they are saying that late term abortions will take place here as they do in the UK.

Abortions at 24 weeks or later are 1/1,000 and happen for devastating reasons, such as a FFA diagnosis. We need to stop punishing tragedy.

Love Both (Pro-life Campaign) are calling for the provision of access to free contraception, improvements to counselling and support services and more sexual education in schools as an alternative to abortion. This group has been around since 1992 – where is the evidence of their work on this?

Youth Defence, or Save the 8th, have cropped up over the decades to rally against divorce, contraception, same-sex marriage, women’s liberation, benefits for unmarried mothers and whose past members have associations with European far-right groups.

They do not have compassion for most living humans I would know.

For impartial and independent information on the referendum see the Referendum Commission website here. 

 

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As posters and billboards from both sides of the campaign continue to take over our cities and towns, the debate around the upcoming abortion referendum is well and truly under way. 

As more and more politicians and high profile figures make their stance on the issue known, an unearthed news piece from 1980s proves that President Michael D. Higgins made up his mind a long time ago. 

Recognising the equal right to life of the mother and the unborn, the Eight Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland came into effect after it was approved by referendum on September 7, 1983. 

The move was backed Fianna Fáil and some member of Fine Gael, though was generally opposed by the political left. 

Michael D, who was serving as the Mayor of Galway at the time, shared his thoughts on the amendment saying how it expressed "no concern for the thousands of women who begin a lonely journey on the boat to England." 

"Mr Higgins said that the opening speeches in last week's Dáil debate 'were monumental in their hypocrisy," and reminded him "of what Davitt said 100 years ago, that if the Irish had a weakness worse than drink, it was moral cowardice," the article reads. 

"'It expresses no concern for the thousands of women who begin a lonely journey on the boat to England. It's a callous referendum. The people behind it are mounting campaigns that are sinister and undemocratic and only half above the surface,' he said." 

The excerpt was posted by Twitter use Maurice Casey, who said he nothing but respect for the now President. 

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Irish emigrants are once again being urged to come #HomeToVote ahead of the abortion Referendum scheduled for May 25.

As part of the campaign, the London-Irish Abortion Rights Campaign has released a two-minute video encouraging expats to return and vote in favour of repealing the Eight Amendment. 

It's estimated that around 40,000 out of the 750,000 Irish people living abroad are eligible to vote. Any person living outside the country for 18 months or less can use their vote, though they must show up in person on the day. 

Another short clip tweeted by London- Irish ARC featured a powerful message. 

"If you’re an Irish citizen and lived in Ireland in the last 18 months, wherever you are in the world right now, you may be entitled to vote."

"On the 25th of May we’re getting a once in a generation chance to make Ireland a fairer, safer place for women. Let’s do it together. Come home to vote yes to repeal the 8th Amendment."

We saw similar scenes in 2015, when thousands of Irish citizens travelled from around the world in order to have their say in the marriage equality referendum. 

A recent opinion poll conducted by The Irish Times showed a clear majority in favour of repealing the eighth amendment, 47 per cent of voters said they would vote yes, while 28 per cent said they would vote no. 20 per cent were still undecided. 

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A number of protestors have gathered a Repeal the 8th mural at Dublin's Project Arts Centre after the Charities Regulator ordered its removal. 

Commissioned by The Hunreal Issues, the mural by Maser has been a reminder to the city that their is support for women and men who have been impacted by the 8th Amendment. 

The mural is being removed because its' political theme goes against the charitable status awarded to the Project Arts Centre.

'The Charities Regulator has informed Project Arts Centre that the display of Maser’s ‘Repeal the 8th’ artwork is ‘political activity’ and that we are therefore in breach of the Charities Act 2009 and not in line with our ‘charitable purpose,' reads a statement from the Project Arts Centre. 

'Should the artwork not be removed, we risk losing our charitable status.'

'The Board and executive of Project are conscious of their obligations under the Charities Act 2009 and the charitable purpose of the organisation,' Fiona Slevin, Chair of Project Arts Centre said.

'We strive to sustain Project’s stated purpose and objectives, namely to remain Ireland’s leading centre for the presentation and development of contemporary art, and to work with artists across all art forms to make and present extraordinary works that inspire and provoke.'

'The artwork by Maser fits precisely with this remit. In presenting Maser’s work, we are facilitating the presentation of art by a highly regarded, award-winning street artist who has displayed artworks across Ireland, Europe and the United States.' 

Feature Image // Twitter 

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The Union of Students in Ireland will launch a 'Repeal Mobile' this morning as part of the campaign for a Yes vote in the upcoming abortion referendum.

Kicking off at Maynooth University, the two-week roadshow will see the Repeal Mobile visit campuses across the country in an effort to prepare students for the vote scheduled for May 25. 

USI President Michael Kerrigan said: “Students have campaigned for abortion rights for decades, and we’re not stopping now.

"We will make Ireland a more progressive, respectful and caring place for everyone, and students will be leading the charge.”

Meanwhile, more than half a million young people are being advised to check if they are eligible to vote after a number of people reported being removed from the electoral register. 

The deadline for adding your details to the register is Tuesday, May 8. 

The Executive Director of Spunout.ie, Ian Power, says it's vital that everyone checks the register, even if they have voted before. 

"A number of people checking the register in the last few weeks have reported to us that they have been removed," he said. 

"That can often happen as local authorities attempt to clean the registers between elections and referendums, so we are just advising everyone to check just to make sure, so that if they have been removed for any reason, or if they have changed their address, that they can do that."

You can check the register here. 

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For anyone left disappointed that they didn't manage to get their hands on a Repeal jumper – worry not. 

The wonderful humans at The Repeal Project are releasing more of these important sweatshirts, and this time, in a few different colours. 

"May 2nd: we release coloured jumpers. Collaborating with some amazing groups and spokespeople" they wrote on Instagram.  

"This is the official big fundraiser gig for the national campaign. The final few weeks are crucial to securing a Yes vote."

The jumpers originally went on sale in the summer of 2016, and completely sold out. 

The project released another batch in March, once again completely selling out!

Hence why we're counting down the days to May 2nd. 

The jumpers cost 25 quid, with all proceeds going to the Abortion Rights Campaign. 

While we're here, be sure to check the voting register, and get yourself ready for the referendum on May 25th. 

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With a referendum date set for Friday, May 25, canvassing for both sides of the vote is in full swing. 

As signs and banners begin to pop up all over the country, Together for Yes, the national campaign to remove the Eight Amendment from the Irish constitution, have today launched a crowdfunding initiative to finance the erection of 10,000 'Vote Yes' posters. 

The original target was set at €50,000 for 5,000 posters, however, huge backing from the public saw that target smashed in a matter of hours. 

The new target now stands at €100,000 to print and put up 10,000 posters all across Ireland, in an effort to get people talking and make the case for an overall Yes vote. 

Writing on the crowdfunding page, organisers thanked the public for their overwhelming support:

"We are completely overwhelmed by the support – we received 1,051 donations in less than three hours and raised €50,000. We’ve had donations from across the country, from people who want to see a more caring and compassionate Ireland.

"With just over six weeks to go to the referendum, the anti-reform forces are ramping up. We need to have our voices heard and fight for a more caring and compassionate Ireland. This is a once in a generation opportunity for change.

"We are increasing our goal to €100,000 so that we can put up 10,000 posters across Ireland." 

If you would like to support the campaign, and play a vital role in the campaign effort, you can click here to donate. 

Every voice matters. 

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Backed by the Abortion Rights Campaign, “Repeal” is a new Irish short film which was officially released on social media yesterday.

Written and directed by Karl Callan, “Repeal” is the story of three women and the difficulties they encounter in the face of abortion laws in Ireland.

The narratives within the film are all based on real life testimonies from people who have been directly affected by the 8th amendment.

Karl was inspired to make this film by cases such as Savita Halappanavar and the “Miss Y- case” and his goal is to shine a light on what is happening every day in Ireland as a result of the current law.

It is his hope that those who are currently undecided may feel inclined to vote Yes after seeing the film.

“I researched the stories, spoke with women I know that had been through similar situations. I also spoke to medical professionals and learned of the difficulties they go through as a result of the restrictions put on them.

"I wanted to be sure that the film was as realistic as possible,” says Callan Having seen “Repeal”, the Abortion Rights Campaign are happy to lend their support to the film and they gave a short talk in the IFI on Easter Saturday where the film has a private screening.

The film was produced by Karl Callan, Aaron McEnaney, Sofia Bwcka and includes a cast of Irish actors and filmmakers involved in Ireland's thriving film scene notably Maureen O'Connell (writer/director of Proclaim! Award-winning short film) and Lynette Callaghan (Raw, The Clinic).

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The Supreme Court in Limerick has ruled on the Constitutional rights of the unborn.

The landmark judgement stated that the unborn does not have inherent Constitutional rights outside the right to life in the Eight Amendment, overruling the previous of the High Court which stated that babies in the womb could have similar rights to children.

Chief Justice Frank Clarke deliver the judgement in Limerick this morning, saying it was the unanimous view of the court.

This latest development removes a potential stumbling block to the forthcoming Referendum.

It comes after a 10-page document seen by The Irish Times revealed how women seeking abortions will have to wait for a certain amount of time to “elapse” before the medication is administrated.

Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, welcomed the ruling:

"The judgement paves the way for a referendum on the Eighth Amendment and will hopefully allow the Government to bring the referendum bill to the Dail this week. From talking to people across the country we know that people are looking for controlled change of our laws on abortion."

"They want to protect women’s health and well-being and ensure that doctors can care for their patients here in Ireland. This is only possible if we remove the Eighth Amendment from our Constitution and allow the Dail to legislate for the provision of abortion care, in line with best medical practice."

The Cabinet are due to hold a special meeting on Thursday to finalise the wording of the Referendum Bill.

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