No more excuses – NWCI calls on Government to end the violation of women’s human rights

Published: Friday, June 10, 2016

Responding to the groundbreaking UN Committee ruling on Irish abortion law, the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) today called on the Government to hold a referendum to repeal Article 40.3.3 (the Eighth Amendment) of the Constitution without further delay.

Niamh Allen, Head of Membership and Development at NWCI said,
“This UN ruling vindicates the rights of all women in Ireland, which have been gravely undermined by Ireland’s restrictive abortion regime at great cost to their health and well-being. After the UN Committee's findings the Government cannot shy away anymore from repealing the 8th amendment and ensuring that Ireland’s abortion regime is no longer in violation of women’s human rights.”

Niamh Allen continued,
“NWCI’s support for a repeal of the Eighth Amendment is mandated by our vast and diverse membership.  As well as international support, we know from multiple opinion polls that the Irish people overwhelmingly support the UN Committee’s directive for change.  Women must be trusted to make the best choices in their pregnancies and we must respect their decisions, including the decision to end a pregnancy.”

Niamh Allen concluded,
“NWCI was among the first organisations to offer support to Amanda Mellet and other brave couples who spoke out about the traumatic experience of having to travel to the UK following the diagnosis of a fatal foetal abnormality. This UN ruling is a seminal moment for Ms Mellet, and for the women of Ireland who must now be given access to the full range of reproductive health services in their own country.”

Ends/

For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, NWCI, Tel. 085 858 9104