Ireland is due to hold a referendum on 25th May which could reverse the country’s ban on abortion.
Citizens will be asked whether they want to repeal the Eighth Amendment of Ireland’s Constitution, a provision that makes abortion illegal in all but exceptional circumstances.
They will be asked whether they want to replace the amendment, which gives the mother and unborn an equal right to life, with wording that hands responsibility for setting the country’s abortion laws to politicians.
If the public votes to repeal the constitutional provision, the Irish Government intends to table legislation that would permit women to abort within 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, and Most Rev Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland have expressed their concerns on the issue.
They said in a joint statement: “We have previously expressed our concern that the forthcoming Constitutional referendum is being understood as something akin to an opinion poll on the complex issue of abortion.
“However, now that the Government has made known the general scheme of a Bill which it would introduce should the referendum on the repeal of Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution of Ireland be passed, voters face a stark decision.”
They acknowledged the need for pastoral care for women, for improved support…
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