THE outcome of the Irish referendum on abortion rights will have global impact, Scots-based campaigners say.
The country goes to the polls today to determine whether not to repeal the eighth amendment from its constitution.
According to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, a Yes vote – which would allow doctors to end a pregnancy within 12 weeks, extending to 24 in execptional circumstances – would tackle the country’s “legacy of shame” and lift the “stigma” from the women who leave the country for terminations every year.
But No campaigners, including musician Jim Corr of The Corrs, say the change is “too extreme” and say the only winners in the case of law change would be players in “the lucrative abortion industry”.
Under electoral law, Irish people who have lived abroad for fewer than 18 months are allowed to have their say.
Thousands have returned to participate in what could be a pivotal moment in the country’s history.
Restrictions on abortion in Ireland are currently amongst the strictest in Europe, with the law giving equal rights to the unborn.
This includes in cases where a foetus cannot survive to term, as long as a heartbeat is present. The rule is said to have contributed to the death of 31-year-old dentist Savita Halappanavar, who was denied a termination while miscarrying and developed septic shock.
A consultant had told the Indian national and her husband: “If there’s no evidence of risk to the life of the mother, our hands are tied.”
US-based groups like Let Them Live have taken to the streets in Ireland in a bid to secure a pro-life result.
In Scotland, Irish citizens shared their stories of going #hometovote using a social media hashtag set up for the purpose.
On Twitter, Yes voices dominated, with capital resident Sinead Collins saying: “I’m heading #hometovote from Edinburgh today. Couldn’t be prouder to vote for safe, compassionate care for Irish women in our own country. Let’s bring healthcare home.”
And Aoife Ni Chathail tweeted: “Just got on the Dundee to Glasgow treain, heading #HomeToVote decided to read the tweets under #HomeToVote 1 minute in and I’m already a blubbering mess.”
Meanwhile, Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie wore a Yes badge during First Minister’s Questions yesterday.
Commenting on the significance of the referendum, Lorna Greene, a spokesperson for the Scottish Irish Abortion Rights Campaign, told The National: “Every day Irish women travel to the UK, including Scotland, to access abortion services. There are many Irish people living in Scotland who are your friends, neighbours and colleagues – the outcome of this referendum could affect their future or the future of their families.
“The eighth amendment does not just apply to Irish citizens, it applies to anyone who happens to be in Ireland at the time of needing to access abortion services. Scottish people who live in Ireland and Scottish people could unexpectedly find themselves affected by the eighth amendment.
“The result of this vote could be a watershed moment for a global equality,” she added.
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