If you weren't aware, a Citizens' Assembly on abortion was held over the weekend in Dublin to determine whether to repeal the Eighth Amendment, amend it, or leave it as is. Thankfully, we have some positive news: 87% voted to change the law as it stands. But what happens next?
According to the Journal, the Assembly recommended to replace or amend the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution – and not to repeal it. They also recommended a provision in the Constitution for the Oireachtas to legislate on abortion, the rights of the unborn and any rights of pregnant women, and that terminations should be allowed without restriction up to the 12th week of pregnancy, and up to the 22nd week of pregnancy for socio-economic reasons.
Another major recommendation was to allow abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality during any period of the pregnancy.
64% of votes in a ballot on termination agreed that it should be allowed without needing to provide a reason.
The ballot centred on 13 reasons the Assembly members felt a termination should or shouldn’t be lawful, ranging from length of pregnancy to foetal abnormalities.
What happens next is the Chairperson, Justice Mary Laffoy, will prepare a report for the Oireachtas that will be delivered before the end of June, which will then hopefully mean a referendum would be called and the Irish people would go to a vote.
Repeal the Eighth Amendment spokeswoman Ailbhe Smyth said in a statement, “The government cynically established the Citizens’ Assembly to avoid making difficult decisions themselves.
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She said it is a "real step towards ending Ireland’s abortion ban”.
In a press conference last night, Smyth said a referendum would likely be held this time next year and believes the Oireachtas will deliver what the assembly has recommended.
Amnesty International's Irish director Colm O'Gorman said it was a “truly momentous leap for the human rights of women and girls in Ireland”.
He also wanted to clarify that the Assembly did not recommend the Eighth Amendment be repealed, but replaced:
A few media reports on #CitizensAssembly appear confused. They voted to entirely remove 8th amendment & replace it with positive provision
— Colm O'Gorman 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 (@Colmogorman) April 23, 2017
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Here's some more reactions on Twitter:
So cheered that #CitizensAssembly supported the right to choose. Love & solidarity to all campaigning to #repealthe8th. @freesafelegal pic.twitter.com/FjsEhCieM0
— speaking of IMELDA (@speakofIMELDA) April 23, 2017
This looks to be a step forward for abortion access and we welcome that the Citizens’ Assembly has chosen choice. https://t.co/u5nTnK7YxM
— Abortion Rights IE (@freesafelegal) April 24, 2017
#CitizensAssembly result is same as UCD stance for abortion on request of pregnant person, voted in 2013 & 2016
Clear mandate to mobilise— UCD Students' Union (@UCDSU) April 23, 2017
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#CitizensAssembly clearly voted that abortion should be a matter for a woman & her doctor- no place for it in constitution/legislation
— IFPA (@IrishFPA) April 23, 2017
92 per cent say no restrictions. Up to 12 weeks. Letting this amazing, respectful & kind result sink in #CitizensAssembly #repealthe8th
— Róisín Ingle (@roisiningle) April 23, 2017
