Repeal The Eighth

So, What is The Eighth?

The 8th refers to the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution which guarantees the equal right to life of the unborn and the mother. This law that was brought in in 1983 means that abortion is illegal in Ireland except if there is a substantial risk to the life of the mother. This forces women to travel abroad usually to the UK for abortion which is physically and emotionally traumatic and stressful, and often isn’t even an option because of the cost. A movement in Ireland has began and we want to repeal the eighth.

Why do we need to repeal it?

I believe that women have the right to choice. Being pro choice does not mean being anti-life. It means giving control, responsibility and simple human rights back to women. They can evaluate their situations and choose what is best in their own circumstances. The law at the moment isn’t stopping people from having abortions. It’s forcing people to travel or worse, find other means like self-inducted abortions. This is extremely dangerous. If a woman does not want to have a child whether for personal reasons, or if she just isn’t ready to care for a child, or if the pregnancy is a result of rape, she has only two choices. Have the baby or travel for an abortion.

Why are people against it?

Some of the arguments I’ve heard from the pro-life side include “abortion is murder”, “adoption is an alternative to abortion” and “a foetus is a human being with a right to life”.

First of all adoption is not the alternative to abortion, it involves a full pregnancy of 9 months. In this time, there is the risk of the mother’s life and that of the unborn. Health (Mental, Physical and Emotional) and home situation are all other factors that have to be thought about. Then there’s the stress of giving birth, handling the adoption, if the adoption actually goes through, the stress and what life will be life after it all. Especially if this is an unwanted pregnancy, there is a lot to cope with. And choosing to parent a child is a massive decision. Not to be taken lightly. In a way the 8th takes away this choice. You could argue that if you didn’t want to be a parent then you shouldn’t have sex. Then go tell that to all the men that they can only have sex when they want to be a dad. Go make this a law. Go tell teenagers and adults to obey the rules and don’t listen to their urges. Go stop rape. Go stop unwanted pregnancies. Face it, it’s not possible. And anyway sex isn’t just a way to get pregnant, it’s not a contract, for many it’s an act of love or pleasure.

Secondly, a foetus isn’t a human being. It has the potential but it isn’t a “life”. And therefore doesn’t have rights to live. You may disagree with this or think it harsh but I think if you’re so concerned with the right to life try doing something to help all those other children and adults starving and dying in the world. I can say that they are definitely human beings and have a right to live, unlike this foetus you’re so worried about.

Why should I have an opinion on it?

This law is a part of my country and someday may affect me. As a feminist, I believe in equality and the 8th amendment impedes basic human rights to women. Legalising abortion gives more options to women, men, transgender and non-binary people. It is safer and gives control back to women over their bodies.

How can we Repeal the 8th?

To repeal an Amendment we need to have a referendum. Right now it’s all about gathering support and signatures for the referendum to happen. Black jumpers with “Repeal” written across them has become a symbol of support for pro-choice. A petition has been setup to gather signatures to call for a referendum.

So join the movement to repeal the 8th Amendment and pave the way for a more equal, safe, and healthy Ireland.