The Inishowen Abortion Rights Campaign welcomes many of the recommendations tonight from the Joint Oireachtas Committee as “important steps towards securing real and realistic abortion access in Ireland” .
Speaking today, Spokesperson Cathleen Shiels said they have heard from a number of TDs over the past weeks who have changed their position on Abortion, having had the opportunity to learn about the reality of the situation in Ireland.
“The Joint Oireachtas Committee, like the Citizens’ Assembly before them have recommended removing article 40.3.3 (the 8th Amendment) from the Constitution. Now the Government must act swiftly in order to protect those in Ireland who need an abortion. They must do this as quickly and call a Referendum early next year, so we can finally start to take care of our own, at home.”
The group added it is particularly encouraging to see the Committee recommending that the abortion pill be made available via GPs, and that those seeking abortion as a result of rape will not be required to “prove” their attack.
They said this will be particularly significant for women in rural areas and will mean no unnecessary delays, or additional costs will be born by those of us living in the countryside.
“As Senator Ruane and other members made clear, abortion is a class issue. Not protecting the right to an abortion for socio-economic reasons punishes people who are in very difficult situations – those on low incomes, those who are homeless, or who are experiencing domestic violence. It is for these women the Abortions Rights Campaign will continue to campaign, even if necessary, beyond a successful referendum next year.
“Both the Citizens’ Assembly process and the Joint Oireachtas Committee have shown what we already know, when people are presented with the evidence, they see the need for local abortion services.
“The people of Ireland have waited long enough. Yes, we’re optimistic, but it’s a cautious optimism which relies on the Government respecting the work done by the Citizens Assembly, the Joint Oireachtas Committee and the fact that the vast majority of people in Ireland support repealing the 8th Amendment. ARC will continue to campaign for free, safe, legal access to abortion so as to not exclude those already marginalised in our society.”
