Large turnout at March for Choice needed to build campaign momentum

Labour Party representative on the Eighth Amendment Committee, Jan O’Sullivan TD has encouraged people to attend the Abortion Rights’ Campaign March for Choice taking place in Dublin tomorrow.

Deputy O’Sullivan said:

“With the Committee on the Eighth Amendment examining the Citizens’ Assembly recommendations, we are on course to see a referendum on the Eighth Amendment take place next summer. As this may be the last March for Choice it is important that we get a good turnout from all those who wish to see the Eighth Amendment taken out of our constitution.

“Labour’s priority is to see the Eighth Amendment repealed, and the Oireachtas empowered to legislate on the issue.

“While the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Act 2013 has offered some clarity for doctors, the current situation is untenable. As long as terminations remain illegal in cases of risk to women’s health, doctors will continue to be forced to stand by and wait for women to develop a life threatening illness before they can intervene. Over 150, 000 women have travelled to the UK for termination services in the last 30 years. On average 12 women travel per day. Abortion is a reality for Irish women and we cannot continue to export the issue.

“I believe tomorrow’s march will be hugely important to further build momentum for the campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment.”