Ireland is set to go for voting on Friday in an abortion referendum that could be a milestone on a path of change in a country that, only a few decades ago, was one of Europe’s most socially conservative.
The precise wording of the referendum will be: “Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancies.”
Voters in the once deeply Catholic nation will be asked if they wish to scrap a prohibition that was enshrined in the constitution by referendum 35 year ago, and partly lifted in 2013 only for cases where the mother’s life is in danger.
In March, Ireland’s Health Minister, Simon Harris, outlined what this government legislation would look like if the people voted to repeal the Eighth Amendment.
Abortions would be accessible to women who are in their first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond that, abortions would be permitted only if the woman’s life or physical or mental health is at serious risk, up to 24 weeks. There would also be an exception in cases of fatal fetal abnormality.
Polls suggest Irish voters are set to overturn one of the world’s strictest bans on terminations. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, in favour of change, has called the referendum a “once-in-a-generation” chance.
Voters in the once deeply Catholic nation will be asked if they wish to scrap a prohibition that was enshrined in the constitution by referendum 35 year ago, and partly lifted in 2013 only for cases where the mother’s life is in danger.
Many expatriate Irish have travelled home to vote in one of the few European Union countries that does not allow those abroad to vote via post or in embassies.
Those away for less than 18 months remain eligible to vote at their former local polling station, and a majority appeared to back change.
Analysts said a high turnout, particularly in urban areas, would likely favour the “Yes” side.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
