EPSU welcomes the historic referendum in Ireland

Demonstration in Dublin votes for repeal 8th amendment International Womens day 2018

(28 May 2018) Last Friday (May 25)  in a historic referendum, Ireland has voted to repeal the Eighth Amendment that has for decades severely limited access to abortion care among women in the country.

With nearly twice as many votes cast in favour of changing the status quo than for keeping it, the results now give a clear mandate for the legislation to be put forward that would allow for the termination of pregnancy up to 12 weeks.

We at EPSU very much welcome this move that comes in a time when women’s reproductive rights are questioned and attacked in several countries, and we applaud our Irish affiliates for their campaign that was key to ensure that all women in the country can access safe, legal and affordable abortions. As voiced in EPSU’s Resolution and Roadmap on Gender Equality and Women’s Rights, ensuring and respecting women’s reproductive rights and freedom to choose is necessary to guarantee their economic independence, health & safety, and is thus a cornerstone to achieving gender equality.

Ireland