Ireland is likely to liberalise abortion laws

Significance

A repeal vote would pave the way to legalise abortion in Ireland, which has one of the most restrictive abortion frameworks in Europe.

Impacts

• A repeal vote would continue the trend of moving away from the strict religious teachings of the Catholic Church.
• If the public votes to repeal the eighth amendment, many women would no longer need to travel abroad to avail of abortion services.
• Broadening the abortion framework would likely bring Ireland in line with European trends and its international law obligations.
• Martin’s support for a repeal vote could make some pro-life members of Fianna Fail reconsider their position.