Eighth Amendment - Respect for process and democracy

CORA SHERLOCK, a spokeswoman for the Pro Life Campaign, has attacked the Citizens’ Assembly on the Constitution, saying it is clear that its purpose is to facilitate a referendum with a view to removing the constitutional ban on abortion.

Adopted in 1983, the Eighth Amendment acknowledges the right to life of the unborn while having “due regard to the equal right to life of the mother”. A number of recent polls have shown that around two thirds of voters say they are in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment to allow for abortion in cases of rape and fatal foetal abnormalities.

Earlier this month, the Dáil rejected legislation proposed by Independent TD Mick Wallace to permit abortion in such circumstances. The advice of the Attorney General remains that even a limited abortion regime would require a referendum.