MPs try to block a groundbreaking vote for women. They lose.

The Irish parliament passed the abortion referendum bill on 21 March. TDs (Teachta Dála – Irish MPs) voted by 110 to 32 votes in favour of the bill. 21 of the 32 votes against the bill came from the opposition and conservative party Fianna Fáil.

What the vote means

The vote means the government could hold a national referendum on the eighth amendment to the Irish constitution as early as May. The eighth amendment has restricted abortion in Ireland since it was inserted as a result of the 1983 referendum. If the amendment is repealed, the Irish parliament could then legislate on abortion.

The eighth amendment

The eighth amendment states:

The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.

This amendment equates the right to life of the unborn child with that of the mother. It has been a source of controversy, particularly since the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012. Ireland has received international criticism for its position.

Concern over vote

Irish MPs expressed concern that 32 of their peers voted against the bill. Like the DUP and Conservative Party deal in the UK, Fianna Fáil has a ‘confidence and supply’ arrangement with minority governing party Fine Gael.

Support for abortion

Recent opinion polls show approximately 50% of people in Ireland are currently in favour of access to abortion. Prior polls have shown majority support. Government ministers also appear to favour reform on abortion law.

This represents a change since 1983, when people voted overwhelmingly to restrict abortion. But Repeal Eight campaigner Emma Hendrick told The Canary she hopes the referendum succeeds by a large majority to ensure proposed legislation is not “rowed back on”.

Opposition to abortion

In addition to the 32 TDs who voted against the referendum, there is opposition from other quarters too. Former taoiseach (Irish prime minister) John Bruton opposes abortion and supports the eighth amendment. The pro-life movement also brought thousands onto the streets of Dublin on 10 March to support the eighth amendment.

When referendum will take place

Repeal Eighth campaigners have expressed fear that the referendum could be held close to Pope Francis’s visit to Ireland in August. The government will confirm the referendum date when Ireland’s senate debates this bill. But it may possibly take place before the end of May.

Featured image via artistsrepealthe8th