Convention on abortion would help us address ignorance and face reality

Under one in 10 people are aware a woman can be imprisoned for up to 14 years for procuring an abortion in Ireland, writes Alison O’ Connor

The notion of a politician promising to set up a talking shop seems like a bad joke. But that is just what Taoiseach Enda Kenny has done to tackle the difficult issue of abortion, and it is a very good idea.

The issue has been gathering a new momentum ever since the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar three years ago. The Taoiseach announced the very significant news last week that, if re-elected to government, Fine Gael would refer the matter of the Eighth Amendment — which gives equal status to the rights of the mother and the unborn — to a citizens’ convention or assembly.