Do you think the Irish citizens’ assembly on abortion was a good idea?

Do you think the Irish citizens' assembly on abortion was a good idea?
If you live in Ireland, tell us about the assembly and its findings – did it help resolve a complex issue, might it help with Brexit?

Mon 14 Jan 2019

In 2018, Ireland voted in a referendum to legalise abortion. Irish politics had been debating this divisive and emotive issue for decades, however the Irish citizens’ assembly, which deliberated on the matter prior to the referendum, was cited as a successful process in helping people understand the complex issues.

The citizens’ assembly was established in 2016 by parliament and its purpose was to deliberate on a number of issues, including the eighth amendment that outlawed abortion. The 99 citizen members of the assembly were selected to be electorally representative and included those in favour of the change, those against and those undecideds.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jan/14/irish-citizens-assembly-abortion-referendum-brexit

14.01.2019

abortion referendum

Citizens' Assembly

Citizens' Assembly report

The Irish abortion referendum: How a Citizens’ Assembly helped to break years of political deadlock

The Irish abortion referendum: How a Citizens’ Assembly helped to break years of political deadlock

Michela Palese
Posted on the 29th May 2018

In a historic referendum on Friday, the Irish electorate voted with a resounding Yes in favour of removing the Eighth Amendment (article 40.3.3) from the Constitution.

Citizens were asked whether or not to replace the Eighth Amendment, which banned abortion in almost all circumstances by recognising the constitutional right to life of the unborn, with a provision enabling the Oireachtas (the Irish Parliament) to regulate the termination of pregnancy by law.

With a turnout of 64%, all constituencies bar Donegal voted in favour of repealing.

Continued: https://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/the-irish-abortion-referendum-how-a-citizens-assembly-helped-to-break-years-of-political-deadlock/

Ireland ‘cold, neglectful, lonely’ for women in crisis pregnancy

Ireland ‘cold, neglectful, lonely’ for women in crisis pregnancy
Harris urges end to ‘tyranny of labels’ as ‘I’ve never met anyone who is not in favour of life’

Nov 11, 2017
Marie O'Halloran

The Government has to face the reality that women are having dangerous abortions and take action, Minister for Health Simon Harris has said.

He told the Fine Gael national conference that “I’ve sat in far too many rooms with women who have found this country to be cold, neglectful, lonely and isolating when they have a crisis pregnancy.”

continued at source: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/ireland-cold-neglectful-lonely-for-women-in-crisis-pregnancy-1.3288866

The Irish Citizens’ Assembly publishes its report and recommendations

The Irish Citizens’ Assembly publishes its report and recommendations

by International Campaign for Women's Right to Safe Abortion
July 7, 2017

The report and recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly (the Assembly) on the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas (parliament) today by Chair of the Assembly Ms. Justice Mary Laffoy. According to the terms of reference establishing the Assembly, the report will now be referred for consideration to a Committee of both Houses which will in turn bring its conclusions to the Houses for debate.

In her introduction to the report, the Chair of the Assembly Ms Laffoy, said her primary objective in the drafting of the report was “To ensure that there is a clear, complete and accurate record of the work of the Assembly on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution and to demonstrate what happened both before and at the meetings, so that there is openness and transparency on the manner in which the members were informed on this topic.

Continued at source: International Campaign for Women's Right to Safe Abortion: http://www.safeabortionwomensright.org/the-irish-citizens-assembly-publishes-its-report-and-recommendations/

07.07.2017