ICTU defers abortion motion

THE executive of the Irish Congress Trade Unions yesterday threw out a motion at its delegate conference which would call for women to have the right to abortion on demand in Ireland.

Kerrie Fleck of the Belfast Trades Council had called on ICTU to campaign with pro-choice groups for the right to terminate a pregnancy under similar conditions to those in Britain.

“We can no longer accept a 19th century solution to a 21st century problem... She [the woman] should be able to make her choice.

“Instead, it is made by politicians, doctors, lawyers and clergy,” Ms Fleck said.

A number of speakers from both sides of the border backed her call, one pointing out that 7,000 women, or 20 a day, go from Ireland to Britain to get an abortion.

However, Ann Speed speaking on behalf of ICTU said she had to seek the remission of the motion.

“We fully agree with the sentiment and motivation of the motion. We talk about exporting our citizens, women, to solve what is called a ‘problem’. It is exporting their human rights.

“This problem will probably intensify in the period of recession... However, the motion makes particular calls on congress.

“It calls on us to campaign with pro-choice organisations but it does not specify how... or with which organisations. Secondly, it calls on us to support legislation... in England, Scotland and Wales without specifying what the legislation is.

“We believe collectively – and we do have different views on this – that we are ill-prepared to adopt this motion because we are not properly informed.”

A vote on the motion returned a result of 222 for remission, 103 against.