Abortion Referendum- Republic Of Ireland

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

Today is the day of the referendum on the Republic of Ireland's abortion laws.

The vote will decide whether to repeal a part of the constitution, known as the Eighth Amendment, which effectively bans non-essential terminations in the country.

Polls opened at 07:00 local time and votes can be cast until 22:00 tonight (Friday).

I wonder how the Irish will vote?

[Gromit]

Zacs,
The difference between a persons morals, and the states legal statutes.

There are lots of things that are perfectly legal and people have a choice to do them, but personally I would never do those things for my own personal beliefs.

[kvalidir]

How so Spath? x

[Mamyalynne]

My stance is similar, I could never (big word I know) have countenanced an abortion for myself but have been able to support and counsel others through the process which was right for them.

Had my life taken a different turn then all the above could be tipped on its head but you can only speak personally based on life experiences.

[albaqwerty]

to strangle a quote
'I may not agree with what you say, but I'll fight to the death to let you say it'

[rockyracoon]

I’m with Islay on this. I wouldn’t choose to have an abortion, but I wouldn’t want another woman not to be able have one just because of what is best for me.

[bednobs]

The problem is that abortion is such a loaded term conjouring up images of feckless teenagers not bothering to use contraception then demending abortions. It doesn't take into account people who are forced to make the terrible choice of ending a wanted pregnancy due to ectopic or other problems. Last year when my daughter was born at 20 weeks I was faced with the fact my waters had broken and there was no way she was going to survive. My life wasn't in immediate danger but I had started to get signs of infection. There was no choice really but to have labour started artificially while she was still kicking inside all the while knowing she couldn't survive. She showed signs of life for 20 minutes after she was born meaning I got to spend her whole life surrounding her with love. It breaks my heart that she is recorded in my medical notes as a termination. The laws in Ireland make me incredibly cross and I hope they are repealed

[Ric.ror]

I think I'd vote NO

[youngmafbog]

Another point was raised the other day.

Should men be allowed to vote on this?

I'm not sure they should.

[kvalidir]

So sorry Bedknobs :( xxx

[MallyJ]

Surely it is the right for a person to make the choice for themselves...when I was younger and much livelier than I am today I had an account with sufficient money to pay for an abortion should I ever need one. I did not need one luckily (the pill worked!) but I had the choice to go private and get it sorted quickly. I was never going to be a parent and I wanted to be sure that I wouldn't be.

[albaqwerty]

bednobs, am so sorry x

YMB, I think men should be allowed to vote on this issue, maybe some have partners/family members who have had to travel for whatever reason.
It's the clergy who shouldn't be allowed to vote.

[gness]

My abortion, as the local priest and visiting bishop chose to call it, saved my life and removed an already dead but much wanted and planned baby.
Had I been living in Ireland at that time I wouldn't have survived and the child I had would have lost his mum.....

Nobody but the pregnant woman should have the right to dictate what she does.....nobody...x

[youngmafbog]

I see you point Alba it's just that something grates with me when men think they can tell what is best for a women when they will never ever have the situation to deal with themselves.

[Mamyalynne]

Bednobs, you're right - it can be easy when discussing this subject to push aside the heartbreak that surrounds so many women (and their partners) like yourself who endure this.

YMB, I believe men should have a voice in this vote.

[nannybooby]

So we can hope for a change ,they have come long way in the last 10 years

[gness]

Can I ask you, Ric.....you already have the choice....abort or not... why should women like me not have that choice?
It would do no harm to you but NO voters are harming others.

Is there something in your thoughts that I'm missing?...x

[albaqwerty]

One of my very close friends had a miscarriage.
Her medial notes state she had an abortion.
She was livid.
Another close mate had an abortion and was extremely upset, but that was the right decision for her at that time.

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

Personally, I would vote no too. I believe in the sanctity of life and could not support taking the life of an unborn child, in any circumstances.

[ludwig]

Ymb // 'Let me spell it out. Islay for herself does not believe in abortion. However she recognizes the right of others to a choice.' //


zacs // I find that highly illogical.//


mcfluff // how is that illogical? You have a right to choose, whatever your choice should be, it's your right to make it. //


Whether it's illogical or not depends on how you view abortion. If you see it as a medical procedure on woman to terminate a pregnancy then it's perfectly logical to say that you wouldn't have it done yourself, but you think everyone should be able to make their own choice.

However if you see it as murder, as some people do, then it's completely illogical to say you'd never do it, but you're fine with it being done by other people.

This is the whole crux of the debate.