TCDSU Repeal the 8th Campaign

In February 2014, 73% of Trinity students voted for their students' union to adopt a pro-choice mandate and actively campaign for access to safe and legal abortions for women in Ireland.

The 8th Amendment to Bunreacht na hÉireann, the Irish Constitution, remains the central barrier between women and girls in Ireland and full reproductive rights. This amendment, in effect, ensures that Irish doctors cannot provide women with the adequate healthcare that should be their right.

Every year, over 4,000 women travel abroad for terminations and it is clear that Ireland can no longer afford to export its obligations to safeguard the health of women living here.

In order for Ireland's restrictive abortion regime to be replaced with one that gives full bodily autonomy to women in this country, the 8th Amendment must be repealed. TCDSU is calling for a national referendum for its removal from the constitution and the introduction of legislation that allows access to safe and legal abortions.

This is an issue that affects the lives of students, male and female, in the college community. It affects our mothers, our daughters, our sisters and the people close to them. The 8th Amendment must be repealed and women must be given the choice to make decisions about their own bodies.

It has been over 30 years since the 8th Amendment was passed. We didn't make that choice. We deserve a chance to do so.