1983: The electorate votes in favour of a constitutional amendment which guarantees the right to life of the unborn with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother.
1992: The X case. A 14-year-old girl who was raped is restrained by the High Court from leaving the State for an abortion. The Supreme Court overturns this, ruling that an abortion is permissible where there is a probability that there is a real and substantial risk to the life of the mother. It also rules that only women whose lives are endangered can legally travel to secure an abortion.
Later in the year, the electorate votes to remove the restriction on the right to travel and to allow information about abortion services in other countries to be provided. But a proposal to remove the risk of suicide as grounds for an abortion is rejected.
1997: The High Court rules that a 13-year-old girl who was raped is entitled to travel for an abortion. In doing so it turns down an appeal by her parents.