SHEmazing!
follow us
more
 
HomeTagsPosts tagged with "repeal"

repeal

by

New figures released today show that over half of us would vote to repeal the Eight Amendment

A Red C poll for Amnesty International found that 60 per cent of us are in favour of abortion on request, while a further 25 per cent agree that the option to terminate should be available to women who become pregnant as a result of rape.

The poll result come ahead of a referendum on the repeal of the Eight Amendment, due to be held next year.

Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, Colm O'Gorman, said: "There is the side to this debate that recognises that women should be able to make decisions about their own healthcare without the opinions or morals or views of other people being enforced upon them.

"Then there is the side of the debate that believes that women should be criminalised for making these kind of decisions."

The Oireachtas committee tasked with examining Ireland's abortion laws recently voted overwhelmingly against retaining the Eight Amendment.

The decision was passed by 15 votes to three, with two Fianna Fáil TDs, James Browne and Anne Rabbitte, abstaining.

Trending

by

This Saturday, October 28, marks the fifth anniversary of Savita Halappanavar's death – an event which serves as a tragic reminder of the “watertight medical rationale” for legalising abortion in Ireland.

The Coalition to Repeal the Eight Amendment is organising a vigil at 4pm on Saturday outside the GPO on O'Connell Street, Dublin 1.

Announcing details of the vigil today, Ailbhe Smyth, Convenor of the Coalition, said: “The medical rationale for abortion is watertight. In cases like Savita’s, abortion saves lives.”

“As we’re marking the fifth anniversary of Savita’s very sad death, an Oireachtas Committee is considering what should be done about the Eighth Amendment.  The Committee has heard from leading experts on maternity healthcare in recent weeks.  Their opinion was unequivocal: if it weren’t for the Eighth Amendment, Savita Halappanavar would be alive today.”

“For once in Ireland, we need to take on board the lessons from our past.  We need to ensure that no more women die in the sort of tragic circumstances experienced by Savita Halappanavar.”

For those who do not live in Dublin, but would like to attend, there are over 20 additional vigils taking place across the country.

All vigils will be silent and those in attendance are invited to bring flowers and candles if they wish.

For more information, click here.

The Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment is an alliance of over 100 organisations including human rights, feminist and pro-choice organisations, trade unions, health organisations, NGOs, community organisations and many others.

Its members agree that the Eight Amendment must be repealed in order to the lives of women in Ireland.

Feature Image: Twitter 

Trending

by

The Oireachtas committee tasked with examining Ireland's abortion laws has voted overwhelmingly against retaining the Eight Amendment.

The decision was passed by 15 votes to three, with two Fianna Fáil TDs, James Browne and Anne Rabbitte, abstaining.

Senator Ronán Mullen, Independent TD Mattie McGrath and Fine Gael TD Peter Fitzpatrick voted against the proposal.

Speaking after the vote, Fine Gael TD Kate O'Connell said: "Earlier somebody said this was a bad, bad moment. I think this a great moment for Ireland and all the people of Ireland.

"One of the members spoke of the denial of dignity for a whole section of her community. I belief they were referring to unborn children. Well, I believe that women in Ireland have been denied dignity for years and years now."

The result means the committee can now examine six options for referendum – a simple repeal, repeal with legislation, repeal and replace, and other general options.

Linda Kavanagh, spokesperson for the Abortion Rights Campaign also welcomed the decision: “We can see from today’s testimony that the best thing for the health of women and for anyone who can get pregnant in Ireland is to allow for access to abortion without restrictions as to reason.”

“The most caring thing we can do for the women of Ireland is to allow them to make decisions about their own body in a supportive health structure.”

Oh, and one more thing while we have you! Don't forget that you can catch up on all your favourite shows for free for a month right here, so sign up now!

Trending

by

The Master of the Rotunda, Dr Fergal Malone, yesterday revealed that an Irish woman died after she travelled to the UK to access abortion services in recent years.

It's understood that the unnamed women died after experiencing complications on her flight home – a tragedy which could have potentially been prevented should the woman have been able to access the procedure, and the associated aftercare, in Ireland.

Dr Malone made the revelation during his address to the Oireachtas Committee, yesterday evening.

"Forcing patients to travel between two jurisdiction will inevitably increase the risks to mothers' physical health and well-being," he said.

“Risks associated with travelling for pregnancy termination include infection or haemorrhage which has tragically resulted in the death of one of our patients when travelling to the United Kingdom.”

He also touched on some of the other challenges facing women who are forced to travel including, cost, lask of support and the “significant distress associated with leaving their baby’s remains in another country”.

The Oireachtas Committee is reviewing the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly and are due to report by the end of the year, when the government will begin to work on the wording of the referendum.

Trending

by

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the HSE should facilitate abortions for Irish women as part of the national health service, if the eight amendment is repealed.

Addressing the all-party Oireachtas committee, representatives form the WHO stressed that “ensuring access to safe abortion requires the availability of facilities and trained providers within reach of the entire population.”

Adding: “Abortion services, should be integrated into the health system to acknowledge their status as legitimate health services and to protect against stigmatization and discrimination of women and health-care providers.”

The WHO also recommends that women who can not afford to pay for the procedure, should be able to access it free of charge.

The committee also heard from Dr Rhona Mahony, master of the National Maternity Hospital, who said the right to life for the unborn child “makes no clinical sense.”

She later provided a written statement in which she said “the presence of the Eighth Amendment in our Constitution creates unacceptable clinical risk and should be removed.”

The Oireachtas Committee is reviewing the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly and are due to report by the end of the year, when the government will begin to work on the wording of the referendum.

Trending

by

Sinn Féin Deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald, has said said that repealing the 8th Amendment is “imperative and a priority.”

Her comments come after Sinn Féin was criticised after some of its most prominent members failed to take a formal role in last weekend's March for Choice because the views of the organisers go beyond that of the party.

A spokesperson said: “The march went beyond the party position. We are in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment. However, our position on [what provisions will replace the current prohibition] does not go as far as the rally organisers.”

The political party previously stated it was in favour of abortion in cases of rape, incest and fatal foetal abnormality, and today, Mary Lou drove home that pro-choice message.

"I think the absolute imperative and priority is to repeal the 8th Amendment from the constitution," she said.

"My politics and my view is decidedly pro-choice, I will vote for and I will campaign for the repeal the 8th Amendment .

"That is the position of Sinn Féin."

An Oireachtas Committee is reviewing the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly and are due to report by the end of the year, when the government will begin to work on the wording of the referendum.

Trending

by

Here at SHEmazing HQ, we're looking forward to today's 6th annual March for Choice. 

It's an issue that we have written about, considered and been impacted by as women in this country. 

For this reason, we have decided to share with you the reasons why we will march today: 

'Why I March – Because no one has a right to tell a woman what to do with her body. End of. It's her body. Not yours. Get over it.'

'I march because when I think of the trip that many women have had to make to England on their own, in secret, it makes me angry that this happens in 2017. They should be able to get the same care here.

I march because regardless of what I think or believe what someone else should do….it doesn't actually matter because they deserve to make their own decision.' – Jolie Niland, Business Development Manager at Sheology Digital

'I suppose from seeing friends go through the hard travel to England, I have seen first hand how not having the right to choice in Ireland has effected them, that journey stays with you for the rest of your life.'

'Having to put the burden of costs, travel  and stress of perhaps keeping it a secret from loved ones.The whole experience is just terrible to put any woman through in their lifetime. '

'I understand both sides of the argument on abortion but at the end of the day, it is my life, my body and if I am not ready to have a child, I deserve the right to decide for myself.'

'I am pro-choice and would finally like to see change to the 8th amendment at the referendum in 2018.' – Alannah O'Sullivan, Client Services Executive

 

A post shared by Gary Gary (@garybgary) on

'I march today because in spite of being my own person, there is a part of my body that, in this country, is seen as being more important than my choice, my will, by the State.'

'I don't know if I could even get an abortion if I did become pregnant, but I need to have the choice, the right to choose my future, one that isn't dictated by an insemination of any kind.' 

'I march today because there are woman in this country who will face an unwanted pregnancy after surviving rape, and will face a longer prison sentence for having an abortion after that rape than their rapist will serve.'

'I march because I can make my own decisions, and it is my right to do so. A woman, not a womb.' – Sarah Magliocco, journalist and content creator at SHEmazing

 

A post shared by zak m (@zakm) on

'Until I moved to Ireland, I never even questioned it. French women acquired the right for abortion in 1975, long before I was even born.'

'We actually talked about it a lot recently as the lady behind the law, Simone Veil, just died. She is a true hero for us French ladies.'

'Anyway, what happens in my body should be up to me.'

'Of course, if we could avoid abortion, that would be great, and I think it is never an easy decision, but the reality is women have been getting it anyway and it is just hypocritical that you can't do it at home when people who can afford it fly to London.' – Elodie Noël, Food Editor at Sheology Digital

 

A post shared by racinggreen (@racinggreen) on

'They say home is where the heart is but the eighth amendment has made so many women feel like outsiders in their home country. I support the repeal the eighth campaign because we deserve complete control over our bodies.'

'The repeal the 8th campaign shows women that they are not alone. It shows the world that we will never give up on what we believe in. It shows the government that we won’t stop until we get what we deserve.'

'I am pro-choice because approximately twelve women a day travel abroad to get an abortion. They have to endure long strenuous journeys, they have to leave their partners and families behind in a country that has conditioned society into believing that abortion is bad.'

 

A post shared by Repeal Project (@repealproject) on

'We have no choice but to look elsewhere for help. The lack of support in Ireland is making our own women feel like they are criminals; they feel guilty, ashamed, they feel like they’re doing something bad.'

'I support this campaign because I want to show women in Ireland and around the world that we are strong.'

'The women who march are showing the world that we aren’t afraid to stand up for ourselves. We are going to fight for our rights.' – Kat O'Connor, journalist at Mummy Pages

'I march because a woman should be free to make her own choices regarding her own body,' – Mary Byrne, editor of Magic Mum

 

A post shared by @memarkhenderson on

'I march because I cannot support a law which seeks to isolate and criminalise women for daring to take control of their bodies.'

'I march because the idea that a woman in this country would be forced to endure a pregnancy, which she was brave enough to admit may cripple her mentally, emotionally or financially, makes my skin crawl.'

'I march because one day I may be faced with a situation many women before me have bravely endured, and I would hope my country would support me, not demonise me.'

'I march because women in Ireland deserve better.'– Niamh McClelland, SHEmazing Editor

 

A post shared by H A N A H (@hvixx) on

'Not every woman wants to be a mother and not every woman would be a good mother. Not everyone has the means or desire to raise and care for a child.'

'There is inequality in Ireland when it comes to accessing hormonal contraception. Many GP's won't accept a medical card patient, particularly a new patient who moves to the area. The Well Woman centre doesn't take medical card either.  Plus you can only get a three-month prescription if you can afford to pay, meaning you have to go back a minimum of four times per year.'

'You can buy a pill prescription from online pharmacies and this is cheaper than GP visit but still expensive so not really an option for a medical card holder. It's also only really meant for someone who has already been prescribed the pill by a doctor and needs a new prescription.'

'Many women have issues with hormonal contraception and have to stop taking it because of a risk to physical or mental health.' – Anonymous 

If you can't make it to the march, check out the SHEmazing Snapchat and Instagram feeds, where will will be reporting live from the event. Find us at @shemazingie on both platforms. 

Trending

by

Repeal jumpers at the ready – the 6th Annual March for Choice takes place in Dublin this weekend.

On Saturday September 30, pro-choice campaigners from across the country will descend on the capital city to fight for the right to free, safe and legal abortion in Ireland.

In what will be the last march before a referendum is called, Abortion Rights Campaign are calling on the citizens of Ireland to make their voices heard.

Assembling at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square from 1.30pm, campaigners will take to the streets before marching on Dáil Éireann at 2pm.

Proceeding down O'Connell street, marchers will turn left at the quays towards The Custom House. Those unable to walk the full route are advised to join the march at this point.

Crossing the Liffey and moving toward the back entrance of Trinity College, campaigners will proceed down Pearse Street and onto Merrion Square, before finishing up outside Dáil Éireann.

Here, crowds will hear from speakers who will drive home the message that although the march may be over for another year, the fight is not over until our government legislates for free, safe and legal abortion in Ireland.

Those wishing to travel to the march on Saturday have a number of options available to them. Pro-choice groups across the country have organised a number of buses scheduled to leave from Belfast, Clare, Cork Galway, Donegal, Derry, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Meath, Sligo, Tipperary and Wexford.

You can find more information and a full list of available transport here, on ARC's Transportation Facebook page, where many campaigners have organised carpools from every corner of the country.

This is our last chance ladies, so make sure you make your voice heard! 

Trending

by

Abortion Rights Campaign (ARC) volunteer Naomi Elster investigates the use of safe but illegal abortion pills in Ireland today.

The abortion pill is a safe method for ending early pregnancies, and even though it is on the World Health Organisation list of essential medicines, it is illegal in Ireland.

Despite this, hundreds of people in Ireland illegally import the pill every year.

While there are reputable sources for ordering the pill online, there is always the risk of women paying for fake, ineffective or even dangerous substances from unauthorised sources.

Therefore, the only way to guarantee safety is to give Irish women the right to free, safe, legal abortion in Ireland. 

On 30 September 2017, ARC are organising the 6th annual March for Choice. ARC campaigns for free, safe, legal abortion in Ireland.

Abortion in Ireland is illegal, and carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison. It has been legal since 1992 to travel abroad for an abortion, and last year, over 3,000 women attending abortion clinics in the UK gave Irish addresses.

The real number may be higher, as at our speak-out events, where we provide safe spaces for women to tell their abortion stories, we have heard from women who, out of fear, gave UK addresses rather than their real Irish one.

But travelling abroad for an abortion comes at a high price.

The Abortion Support Network is a small UK-based charity which provides practical information and financial support to Irish women travelling to the UK for abortions.

Their director, Mara Clarke, shared a price list from British clinics with me. To get an abortion up to 14 weeks is between €380 and €535, up to 19 weeks it’s up to €795 and up to 24 weeks it’s €1625.

Women in England, Scotland and Wales can access these same procedures for free on the NHS, but Irish women, who don’t receive that same support from our government, have to pay. These prices are only for the termination and don’t take into account travel, accommodation, childcare, and any extra expenses such as visa applications.

'People are like, "Ryanair’s still cheap",' Mara said. 'But you know what? Women can’t plan their unplanned pregnancies around fare sales.'

The abortion pill is sometimes called 'a safe illegal.' It’s available from doctor-led websites in exchange for a non-mandatory donation of up to €90 (no one will be denied a medical abortion from these NGOs due to lack of funds).

Medical abortion involves two pills. The first is a tablet called Mifepristone, which you swallow to block the hormone progesterone. This makes it impossible for the pregnancy to continue. The Mifepristone tablet is followed by an intra-vaginal tablet called Misoprostol, which induces contractions to flush the pregnancy out.

A medical study of 1,000 Irish women who took abortion pills they got from one of these doctor-led websites showed that the procedure is remarkably safe.

In response to news that the number of women known to travel to the UK for abortions has been gradually declining, the HSE crisis pregnancy agency pointed to research showing more Irish women are contacting providers of abortion pills.

But while we can be glad that there’s now a safe option for women who can’t continue their pregnancy and can’t travel, the only way to guarantee that Irish women with unwanted pregnancies are safe is to make free, safe and legal abortion available here in Ireland for all who need or want it.

Taking the abortion pill on Irish soil is illegal.

As Caoimhe Doyle, co-convener of The Abortion Rights Campaign, explains: 'The Protection of Life During Pregnancy act, introduced in 2013, means that anyone prosecuted for taking abortion pills can be sentenced to up to 14 years in prison. As of yet no-one has been prosecuted under this act.'

'However in Northern Ireland we have seen a number of investigations and prosecutions, both of those taking and providing these pills, so it is not unlikely that we may start to see prosecutions here.'

The PSNI came under fire this year when, on International Women’s Day, they raided the homes and even workplaces of Northern Irish pro-choice activists, looking for abortion pills. According to Mara, legitimate sources of abortion pills have shipped to Irish women via Northern Ireland in recent years. Out of fear that women in the Republic would be arrested, the providers asked them to provide an address in the north.

'There have been more and more confiscation of pills in the north,' Mara continued. 'So women have contacted us saying "I ordered the pills and they’ve been stopped. They’ve been stopped by customs, they never arrived.'"

Because it’s illegal to buy or take abortion pills in Ireland, it’s difficult to promote reputable websites where women can consult medical doctors and be provided with what they need for a safe abortion.

Mara has also had women contact her who, hoping they wouldn't have to travel to end their pregnancies, contacted other websites claiming to sell medical abortions.

They paid €200, waited weeks, and nothing arrived.

And even though complications are very rare, they can occur. The pill works by stimulating a miscarriage, triggering cramps and bleeding.

Abortions carried out without the reassurance of a medical team nearby to advise when something is normal, and help when it’s not, can add an unnecessary level of upset and trauma to what should be a straightforward procedure.

According to Caoimhe, 'The fear of prosecution often puts those who take these pills at risk, as they are afraid to seek medical assistance in the rare event that something goes wrong.'

34 years on from the introduction of the 8th amendment, we live in an Ireland where what should be a medical issue is now a human rights issue.

The Government has said that a referendum on the 8th will be held next year. It is impossible to change our laws on abortion without a referendum.  

This will be the last March for Choice before that referendum, and we need every one of you to join us on that march and make your voice heard.

Trending

by

Ahead of this Saturday's March for Choice, Abortion Rights Campaign and Damn Fine Print are teaming up to host the ultimate pro-choice poster printing workshop.

Supporters are invited to drop in and print their very own poster/placard for use at the upcoming press conference and the annual march on September 30.

Keeping the theme of this year's march, 'Time to Act', Damn Fine Print will have many designs to choose from, including one from street artist and Radio DJ, Will St Leger.

A limited amount of supplies will be on hand, but organisers have recommended that those interested in attending the event bring their own cardboard/paper/placard.

This event is free to attend, though donations toward the campaign are welcome but not expected.

Abortion Rights Campaign Props Make-In takes place in Damn Fine Print, Brunswick Street, Dublin 7, from 6pm – 9pm on Thursday September 28.

Click here for more information.

Trending

by

In a week which began with confirmation of a referendum on the 8th amendment and culminates in the March for Choice this Saturday, there is no greater time to find out what the Repeal the 8th campaign means to our readers.

Eager to hear how the last 12 months in Ireland has impacted you and your stance on the 8th, we reached out, and you responded in your droves.

From pro-life and pro-choice readers to women with personal experience of a termination, our investigation shone a light on the far-reaching effect the campaign has had on women in Ireland, irrespective of their position.

Upon reflection, Two Women Travel, the Strike for Repeal and the results of the Citizen’s Assembly have acted as milestone moments in many of our readers’ memory of the campaign.

“The two women tweeting their abortion journey was heartbreaking and opened people’s eyes to the stark reality,” asserted one, while another considered the courage of the nation’s women the defining factor.

“Seeing so many braving the backlash to tell their stories publicly resulted in the overwhelming numbers on the March for Choice,” she said.

Echoing this sentiment entirely, another respondent said the merit of first-person experience cannot be underestimated.

“[The stand-out memory of the campaign] was hearing from people who are actually affected by the amendment, and not others talking for them.”

Given the intensity of the campaign, it’s perhaps unsurprising that some of our readers found themselves reconsidering their stance over the course of the last 12 months, with more than 20 per cent confirming as much.

“I personally wouldn’t have an abortion, so I was against the repeal at first, but with some research I’ve discovered it’s more than just that, and it’s about all women’s rights which we should be entitled to,” explained one.

“I used to believe the unborn child deserved the right to live, but was too naïve to see and understand the impact an unwanted child can have on a woman’s life,“ admitted another converted pro-choice reader.

“I was always opposed to the 8th. But I used to think there should be limits on abortion access. I don’t anymore because I realise that opinion is based on the notion that women can’t be trusted, which is misogynistic," another added.

With more and more women fighting for a repeal to the 8th in this country, a small number of our pro-lifer readers have admitted they have struggled to articulate their thoughts on the campaign due to the backlash they receive.

“You can’t say anything pro-life without being verbally attacked,” responded one reader. “You can’t be feminist, liberal or intelligent it seems, unless you are pro-choice. You’re not allowed to have or share an opinion unless it is the ‘correct opinion’.”

“I generally just don’t talk about it, and avoid the campaign at all costs”, she added.

It seems this works both ways, however, with one pro-choice user explaining that she has struggled to argue her stance on occasion.

“I tend to know what I’m talking about for the most part, but sometimes I’m made feel so guilty by anti-choice campaigners that I forget the reasons I believe what I believe,” she admitted.

For one pro-life reader, the pro-choice decision to mark International Women’s Day last March with a protest was an imposition of sorts.

"[They] made a day that was supposed to be about every woman everywhere into a day for being pro-abortion and repealing an amendment that perhaps some women (including myself and several people I know) want to keep. It upset me that I couldn't just celebrate Women's Day."

According to our findings, the desire for reasoned debate appears to be a priority regardless of position, with one user recalling her direct experience of the campaign.

"A guy from Amnesty International tried to mansplain to me and my sister why we need abortion to be legal and how it affects us and our bodies and autonomy", she recalls.

"But there was also a lovely girl I met on the street, who I have to say was the only person I was actually able to have a conversation with on the issue, and although we disagreed on the 8th amendment, she was so nice."

Ultimately, 90 percent of our respondents said they are eager to see a repeal to the amendment, citing equality and bodily autonomy as the principal reasons for their interest in the campaign and the outcome of next year's referendum.

“I have been forced out of my country for a basic medical procedure,” explained one woman. “I don’t want any more women and families to feel like criminals because our politicians are cowards.”

“In the 21st century, there is still a chance that I may some day have to travel for health care that should be available to me in my own country. I do not have full ownership of my own body,” added another.

“If I get pregnant, I will be more or less punished in this country, punished by having to carry a baby I don’t want.”

But whether for or against its repeal, the impact the campaign has had on Irish society cannot be underestimated, with one young woman asserting: ”It’s everywhere. How can you not talk about it?”

“As debate grows, so too does discussion and so does the hope that sooner rather than later, this country will look after its women properly.”

The March for Choice in Dublin City Centre takes place this Saturday, September 30.

Trending

by

Over the past few years, pro-choice campaigners across the country have come together to fight for the rights of Irish women. 

In one of the biggest political movements seen in recent times, abortion rights groups have worker tirelessly to push for a referendum to repeal the Eight Amendment – and now, with an indicative timeline confirmed, we must fight harder than ever to make sure our voices are heard. 

In the build up to this Saturday's March for Choice in Dublin city, we spoke to Clare Lanigan from Abortion Rights Campaign (ARC), about the campaign goals, her work as a volunteer, and the significance of events such as these. 

Established in 2012, ARC is a grassroots, all-volunteer campaign advocating for free, safe and legal abortion in Ireland. As well as promoting the referendum to repeal the Eight, it also has a broader goal in making sure that the procedure is available to anyone who may need or want it.

After joining ARC as a volunteer in 2016, Clare explained what drew her to the campaign: 

"I was always very pro-choice but I wasn't really much of a 'joiner' – I would just kind of watch from the outside."

"The success of the marriage equality referendum was quite inspiring to me, even though the actual process I thought was difficult. I thought looking from the outside in,  it seemed really hard on LGBT people to kind of have to politely beg for rights. I did think that the campaign had a really inspiring outcome, so that kind of made me feel like change was possible." 

The role of an ARC volunteer is varied and rewarding. Those interested in getting involved are invited to take on positions that play to their strengths and interests, meaning there's something to suit everybody. 

Clare explained: "Most times when people volunteer they come to one of our open meetings, which are held once a month."

"People can sign up to a group depending on their particular skills or interests. There's admin, media, policy and advocacy, partners and outreach, and actions."

"I was interested in admin and in media so I signed up for those and started going to meetings and just kind of found tasks to do and went from there really."

Organisations such as ARC would not survive without the help of volunteers like Clare. The campaign is run entirely by people who have given up their time for free. 

"We've no paid staff, so all these events (march for choice, etc.) don't happen without the work of volunteers. Generally in pro-choice campaigning it's nearly always people giving their time for free."

Marches, demonstrations and the dissemination of information, are all part of what make the role of an ARC volunteer so fulfilling, however, Clare says watching the regional groups go from strength to strength has been her real highlight so far. 

"I've been really inspired seeing all the regional groups that have developed – we've always had regional groups, but over the past year they've gone from strength to strength."

"Groups in Meath, groups in Kerry, Galway, Cork, Sligo, Donegal, all over the place and so more and more people are getting involved and they're all going to be joining us at the march now on Saturday which is great because we've had regional groups before, but this is going to be the largest group yet."

While the government have committed to a referendum on the Eight Amendment in May or June of next year, Clare believes this is just the beginning.    

“The key message we want to get out there is 'repeal not replace' – we don't want more stuff in the constitution about abortion… simplicity and clarity is what we'll be looking for."

"More broadly we're really advocating strongly for more than limited access. We think it's really important to get the message out that only having exception based access, which a lot of politicians seem to think is the way forward, is not good enough."

"We're pushing very strongly for broad access which is what the citizen's assembly decided on when they went through their deliberations – so, if random members of the public can come to that conclusion, we're pretty sure the population at large can come to the same conclusion."

"A referendum is not the end of the story, in fact, in some ways, it's only the begining."

If you'd like to get involved in the campaign, ARC are looking for volunteers to hand out flyers this Thursday and Friday night. You can register your interest by e-mailing info@abortionrights.ie – or if you'd like to volunteer on a ongoing basis, new recruits are invited to pop along to the open meetings which are held once a month. You can find more information and the full calendar of events here. 

ARC are also hosting speak out on Thursday evening, offering women a safe space to talk about their abortion experiences without any judgement or without any expectation.

And don't forget to head along to the March for Choice in Dublin City Centre this Saturday, September 30. It all kicks off at 2pm at the Garden of Remembrance. 

See you there, ladies! 

Feature Image: Twitter 

Trending
© Copyright 2012-2024 - Shemazing.net. Déanta in Éirinn - Sheology.