Ireland goes to the polls on Friday 25 May to vote in a referendum that could end the country’s ban on abortion. Voters will be asked if they want to repeal the eighth amendment of the country’s constitution, which recognises the equal right to life of both mother and unborn child, effectively banning terminations.
This amendment has been in place since 1983, and the campaign to repeal it has rapidly picked up steam in recent years, spurred on by cases such as the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012.
If the amendment is repealed, it will allow for the Irish government to legislate on abortion as they see fit, most likely up to 12 weeks. The two biggest parties in the country, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are allowing members to take a free position on the issue, while Sinn Fein and Labour are officially backing a Yes vote.
We will be following the campaign across the next few weeks on our site and on our Facebook group. So join us as we report on the debate and discussion this issue is sparking in Ireland and around the world.
Follow the latest developments below:
