NWCI calls for a repeal of the 8th Amendment

Published: Tuesday, June 02, 2015

The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI)  welcomed the momentus landslide victory for marriage equality, and called on the government to build on the movement for equality by naming a date for a repeal of the 8th amendment. 

In a campaign where so many women played a key role, from the headline figures to the mothers, grandmothers, friends and family, determined that the Ireland of today would be different from the dark days of the past, women led the way and inspired the victory. As hundreds of people came home to vote, in such inspirational scenes, there were 12 women quietly leaving Ireland on lonely Ryanair flights travelling to the UK and further afield for an abortion. There were poor women, or migrant women dangerously trying to end their pregnancies, because they could not afford to travel. Amidst the celebrations in Dublin Castle, these women were remembered.

We welcome comments from several public figures, including Joan Burton, Leo Varadkar and James Reilly. The government must now name a date for the repeal of this unworkable amendment.

You can read the full press release here.