How one woman’s death pushed the Irish on abortion

How one woman's death pushed the Irish on abortion

By Nick Miller
25 May 2018

London: Five years ago Savita Halappanavar, a 31-year-old pregnant woman, died of blood poisoning in the middle of the night in a hospital in Galway, after staff had refused to consider terminating her pregnancy until she was almost beyond saving.

That young dentist’s death galvanised the country’s pro-choice forces into action and, if the polls are accurate, on Friday Ireland will vote to end its abortion ban in a historic referendum.

Continued: https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/how-one-woman-s-death-pushed-the-irish-on-abortion-20180523-p4zh4p.html


Ireland – Simon Harris criticises ‘obscene’ abortion posters using his photograph

Simon Harris criticises ‘obscene’ abortion posters using his photograph
Posters contain picture of Minister for Health, Fine Gael logo and graphic imagery

May 8, 2018
Sarah Bardon Political Reporter, Elaine Edwards

Minister for Health Simon Harris has described the graphic abortion-related imagery posted in his Wicklow constituency as “obscene, horrific and unethical”.

The poster campaign features a picture of Mr Harris on what looks like a Fine Gael election poster. Behind the Minister, there is an image of what appears to be an aborted foetus.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/simon-harris-criticises-obscene-abortion-posters-using-his-photograph-1.3487839


Insertion of Eighth ‘catastrophic mistake’ says former minister

Insertion of Eighth ‘catastrophic mistake’ says former minister
Gemma Hussey and Liz McManus among ‘Grandparents for Repeal’ advocating for Yes

May 8, 2018
Elaine Edwards

The insertion of the Eighth Amendment into the Constitution was a “catastrophic mistake” and has caused “endless suffering and heartache”, a former Fine Gael minister has said.

Gemma Hussey, who was minister for education when the amendment was introduced after a referendum in 1983, was among the speakers at the launch of the Grandparents for Repeal campaign on Tuesday.

Continued: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/abortion-referendum/insertion-of-eighth-catastrophic-mistake-says-former-minister-1.3488005