learn > news

Latest News

We must end the inhumane treatment of pregnant women and repeal the 8th Amendment

Published: Wednesday, February 03, 2016

In response to media reports today highlighting the degrading and inhumane treatment of a woman who had to travel to the UK twice to terminate her pregnancy due to a fatal foetal abnormality, the National Women’s Council of Ireland calls on all General Election candidates to commit to repealing the 8th Amendment in the next Programme for Government.

Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI said,

“We claim to be a compassionate country, yet women like ‘Sarah’ are being let down by our healthcare system. The treatment that she and other women in similar positions have received is inhumane and degrading and it is putting women’s health and lives at risk. The 8th Amendment acts as a significant chilling factor for doctors and midwifes and prevents them from providing proper care to pregnant women in this country. This is contrary to international human rights standards and also contrary to our own health policies, including the new Maternity Strategy, which aims to be women centred. NWCI calls on all General Election candidates to commit to repealing the 8th Amendment in the next Programme for Government and ensure that women have access to the full range of reproductive choices in this country.”

Ends/

For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Head of Communications, Tel. 085 858 9104.