The Repeal the 8th movement has recently brought the issue of abortion to the fore of Irish life. While the right to choose to have an abortion seems fundamental, there is a danger that repealing the 8th Amendment will be seen as the end rather than simply the means to valuing women in society.

As a woman, I have strong opinions regarding the 8th Amendment, as it is an inherently sexist piece of legislation as it stands. However, also as a woman, I have strong and negative opinions on certain aspects of the campaign. Yes, if the 8th Amendment is repealed, the state is respecting the female right to choose to abort an unwanted pregnancy, and this must be a positive thing.

However, in this case,  we must be especially careful not to devalue the role of the mother or those women who choose to keep wanted and unwanted pregnancies alike. Furthermore, we must resist the temptation to dehumanise the Pro-Life lobby, to condemn them as bigots, and to censor healthy debate.

Bodily Rights

It is no secret that Irish abortion law has been found wanting when compared to Human Rights standards. It is a shameful thing that in this country, in this day and age, incest and rape victims are forced to host and carry the result of their degradation and suffering with little to no support, financially, mentally or legally.

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