The 8th Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland acknowledges “the right to the life of the unborn, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother.” In translation, this means that abortion is banned unless the mother is under immediate risk of death. While the guarantee of the protection of the mother’s life seems to put the pregnant woman under consideration, it is but a thinly veiled guise that provides no regard to women’s health.
In late Oct. 2012, a woman named Savita Halappanavar died from miscarriage after her request for an abortion was denied by doctors. The dentist experienced back pain as she was miscarrying and died shortly after the baby’s heartbeat stopped. This is just one of many occurrences that prove the gross negligence of Ireland towards its women. The situation for Irish women has gotten so bad that a United Nations panel declared that this goes against human rights when a woman had to carry her child to term, knowing full well that her child would die either before or shortly after being birthed.
Along with putting its women in high danger, Ireland is denying them a crucial autonomy over their own bodies.
The idea that women have to travel abroad or go without access to what should be basic health care is a tragedy that is all too familiar around the world. Fortunately, many Irish citizens are speaking out through demonstrations, advocacy groups and petitions, all using a slogan “Repeal the 8th.”
Pregnancy is frightening and abortion even more. Women should have the right to make a decision which affects their bodies whilst feeling safe, and having the proper resources to do so. No one should be denied the right to basic healthcare and here’s to hoping that the repeal the 8th movement brings one country closer to realizing women’s rights.
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