Book commentary: conflicts in reproductive health in Catholic Ireland

"it remains to be seen if the Catholic ethos will be set aside so that contraception services, tubal ligations, abortions, and assisted fertility treatment will be provided consistent with secular law and women’s welfare"

Robyn Myna from Athlone and David Kiernan from Blackrock protesting outside the Department of Health in Dublin in 2017, in protest of the government’s decision to grant ownership of the new National Maternity Hospital to the Sisters of Charity. Photo:Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

The contribution of religious orders to the provision of hospital services in Ireland extends back to 1834 when the Religious Sisters of Charity founded St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin. Generally, the role of religious orders was seen in a positive light by Irish Catholics but over the last two decades public opinion has changed radically. 

This was clearly evident in 2017 when plans to relocate the National Maternity Hospital from Holles St. to the St Vincent’s site provoked an outcry. Why such a change in attitude? To answer this question, it will be necessary to make some reference to historical developments.