Why I believe we should Repeal the 8th Amendment

Repeal the 8th? How I see it…

You are a product. Probably not what any of us want to hear but run with the concept, just for a minute. As human beings we are durable. The words we hear, the actions we see, the environment that surrounds us and the people involved, shape us into who we are. Most of us accept this but are much slower to acknowledge that the way we think is extremely similar. This idea that our thoughts are subject to little or no influence is far from the truth. However, once we become aware of this, we are suddenly enlightened to a new way of looking at things, a fresh perspective. And the real beauty lies in the fact that we are free to explore and change.

The referendum on May 25th to repeal the 8th amendment of our constitution is a matter of life and death. It is no wonder people have such strong opinions! This is a complex issue that demands educated consideration from all angles. However, it must be said that there is a reason emotion has no place in law. It can easily cloud our judgement and manipulate our thoughts. Be aware of this during your consideration.

The key here is education and I urge everyone to continue to broaden their knowledge of BOTH sides of this debate. Do not cast your vote unknowing of its consequences and no matter your conclusion, please get out and have your say! 

Here are some reasons why I am pro-choice.

• Bodily autonomy is a basic human right.
• Denying woman and trans people their right to choose whether to carry a pregnancy to term or not is an attempt to control their body
• Sex is not purely a reproductive act. Our attitude to sex in this country has changed, the law needs to change with this.
• The teaching of the Catholic Church has had a huge effect on the way we think in this country due to its influence in the education system and the religious culture of this country. I believe religious influence has no place in Irish law.
• Contraception fails. It is ridiculous to expect women to refrain from sex for fear of falling pregnant and having their freedom and autonomy stripped away from them.
• How can we decide which life has more intrinsic value? The pregnant person or the unborn child's. An unborn foetus can cause serious health implications for the pregnant person and sometimes kill them. No one should be forced to endure this pain against their will.
• No one should be forced through the trauma of a difficult pregnancy and childbirth and subsequently left unprepared for parenting or faced with the further emotional toll of giving the child up for adoption.
• There are already so many children in this world without parents, seeking a loving home. No woman should be forced to add to this.
• Unless you can walk a mile in their shoes, how can you possibly justify imposing your views on their situation.
• I support the wellbeing of women and trans people who are here. Women and trans people who are struggling and whose experiences I would never pretend to understand.
• The sex education in this country is extremely poor.
• Another person's sexual reproductive choices are none of my business nor are my choices anyone else's business.
• As the law stands, a pregnant person who becomes aware of a fatal foetal abnormality is forced to carry to term and experience the trauma of delivering a terminally ill baby or even a stillborn.
• I'm sick of seeing Irish people being turned away here in their home country when they most need the support they deserve. I believe everyone should have the right to chose what is best for them.

This is a complex issue, these are my conclusions, I urge you to come to your own.

www.repealeight.ie/background-to-eighth-amendment/