Complex and constitutional case

The eighth amendment to the Constitution introduced a constitutional ban on abortion.

It was put in force by inserting a new sub-section, after section 3 of article 40 of Bunreacht na hÉireann.

The resulting article 40.3.3° reads: “The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.”