Together For Yes // Repeal The 8th
It seems I’m becoming increasingly political in my old age. I know this subject may be a little controversial, I know it will be met with resistance, but I care, I really care. And I want more men to care about this too.
In Ireland, abortion remains both illegal and taboo. Abortion is outlawed even in situations of rape or incest. Reality is, however, that abortion is not rare, and this law serves to affect the disadvantaged and the vulnerable.
Every day 12 women and girls from Ireland have an abortion, women who for lots of reasons cannot or do not want to continue their pregnancy. Every day, at least 3 of these women risk a 14-year prison sentence by staying in Ireland and taking safe but illegal abortion pills.
If you are undecided or pro-life, please read the cases of women like Savita Halappanavar, a 31-year-old Dentist who died in Galway hospital. She began to miscarry at 17 weeks when it became obvious her life was in danger she requested an emergency termination but a faint foetal heartbeat was still detected. Under the 8th, her life was judged equal to that of the foetus. She was denied a termination and both her and the baby were lost. Our government failed her.
Voting is amazing. With a referendum, if it’s passed, the constitution changes immediately. In the case of repealing the 8th, it ultimately allows parliament to permit abortions in Irish hospitals up to 12 weeks in pregnancy.
I don’t think ever in history have women been able to vote on what happens to a man’s body, but men and women get to decide what happens here. Now is not a time for men to stay silent in support, now is the time to exercise your voice. Feel your power. I respectfully ask Irish men and women to vote YES to repeal the 8th in the forthcoming referendum.
Please be involved to support us. Register to vote by May 8th and if at all possible be in Ireland on May 25th. You cannot vote by postal or proxy, so it’s really important we come together for yes next month and ask the government to stop exporting its problems and failing its people.