Skirting the abortion issue

Joan Burton TD need not be too despondent about the prospects for repeal of the 8th Amendment. After all, she has the support not only of pro-choice groups, but the unintentional support of many pro-life groups, as well.

These pro-life groups continue to use wording that pro-choice/pro-abortion groups have chosen. In my view, the impression being sought to convey is the proposal has to do with the abolition of some archaic legalism. Who would say no to this? It also avoids any unpleasant discussion of the reality.

To be fair, pro-life groups are repulsed by the taking of (unborn) human life. Helping their opposite numbers is not intentional. However, the “opposite numbers” are quite happy with the arrangement, whereby the real subject is not mentioned by either party. That way, we can have a nice, civilised, polite discussion, and nobody gets hurt. Well, except for those with no voice.