Ireland to hold referendum on abortion laws next year
Women convicted of having an illegal termination in Ireland currently face up to 14 years in prison.
Tuesday 26 September 2017 19:45, UK
Ireland is to hold a referendum on whether to scrap its ban on abortion, Prime Minister聽Leo Varadkar has announced.
The vote will take place in May or June next year, shortly before a visit from Pope Francis.
Abortion is currently illegal in the Republic of Ireland, except in cases where the mother's life is in danger.
Women convicted of having an illegal termination could face 14 years' imprisonment.
It is permitted for women to travel abroad for a termination, however, and it is estimated that around 4,000 do so every year.
Niall Bhan, chief executive of the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA), told Sky News this exposed many women to steep costs, with the added burden of isolation and secrecy.
"The reasons women go for abortions in Ireland are exactly the same as anywhere else," he told Sky News.
"The difficulty is they have the additional burden of travelling... they're ejected from the whole healthcare system."
Mr Varadkar had previously described the amendment banning abortion as "too restrictive".
Although abortion has always been illegal in Ireland it was adopted in the constitution in 1983, with support from 67% of voters in the predominantly Catholic country.
More recent opinion polls, however, have indicated growing support for a change in the law.
The issue was thrust into the spotlight in 2012 when after doctors in Ireland allegedly refused her a termination.
Abortion is not the only issue being voted on by the Irish electorate.
The referendum was announced as part of a two-year timetable of votes on issues including Ireland's controversial blasphemy law.
In 2015 the country made history by becoming the first to legalise gay marriage after a referendum.
"Any amendment to our constitution requires careful consideration by the people," Mr Varadkar said in a statement on Tuesday.
"They should be given ample time to consider the issues and to take part in a well informed public debate."
Rights advocates have welcomed news of the vote, and Mr Bhan said IFPA believed there was a strong likelihood that a motion to legalise abortion would pass.
"We've talked about this issue for a long time," he said.
"Changing the law would mean women having their dignity restored, their autonomy recognised and would ensure they're able to receive the best professional healthcare here in Ireland."