At the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis at the RDS earlier this evening, members of the party passed a motion opposing any repeal of the Eighth Amendment, which provides the only remaining legal protection for the unborn in Ireland. The motion received overwhelming support from delegates. Commenting on the vote, Deputy Chairperson of the Pro Life Campaign Cora Sherlock said:
“Since its passing in 1983, the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution (Article 40.3.3) has meant that Irish women receive all necessary medical treatment during pregnancy and at the same time has ensured that the unborn child’s right to life is protected. The reality is that tens of thousands of people are alive today thanks to the Eighth Amendment.”
“Despite the abortion legislation introduced by Fine Gael in 2013 which permits abortion throughout the full nine months of pregnancy in the case of threatened suicide with no medical evidence to back it up, the Constitutional protection contained in the Eighth Amendment must be robustly defended. ”
“The Eighth Amendment has protected us from the inhumane realities of abortion on request that can be seen in places like Britain where abortion has become all too acceptable for babies diagnosed with disabilities such as Down Syndrome.”
“We are pleased to see that Fianna Fáil members today recognised the importance of the Eighth Amendment. It is imperative that Fianna Fáil now builds on this commitment and works toward the repeal of the unjust abortion legislation introduced by Enda Kenny in 2013.”
Ends
