On September seventh 1983 the Irish people voted the “Eighth Amendment” into its constitution. The wording of the amendment reads, “The state acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right”.
Ireland’s Eighth Amendment was passed with 66% for, and 33% against. Since then children in the womb have been protected by law. A pro-life organisation estimates that 100,000 people are alive in Ireland today because of this amendment. However, women have been able to travel outside of Ireland to obtain abortions, and it is estimated that 10 women a day travel to the UK or other countries from Ireland to kill the fruit of their womb.
In May 2018, Ireland will be considering the issue of abortion again. It is likely we will be voting whether or not our country should allow abortion without restriction up to 12 weeks gestation. Recommendations were made to the Oireachtas (Parliament) by Ireland’s Citizens Assembly. These suggestions can be seen online at: https://www.citizensassembly.ie/en/The-Eighth-Amendment-of-the-Constitution/
Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) has in the last few weeks expressed his views on abortion. He stated in a presentation to the Cabinet, “I do not believe that the Constitution is the place for making absolute statements about medical, moral, and legal issues. An issue that is not black and white can never be explained in black and white.” He also said, “I know this will be a difficult decision for the Irish people to make. It is a very personal and private issue. For most of us, it’s not a black and white issue; it’s one that is grey. A balance between the rights of a pregnant woman and the foetus or unborn.” His stance on the issue is clear, very black and white, “For my part, I will advocate for a Yes vote.” (The Irish Times, https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/safe-legal-and-rare-full-text-of-taoiseach-s-abortion-speech-1.3373468?mode=amp, 30/1/2018).
According to God’s law there is no middle ground when it comes to taking life; when it comes to murder. “These six things does the Lord hate: … hands that shed innocent blood, …” (Proverbs 6:16, 19). In fact, God calls us to be active in protecting life in the face of those who seek to destroy it, “Open your mouth for the mute in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9).
Our church (Arann Reformed Baptist Church, Dublin) is currently organizing an outreach in which we will distribute leaflets with arguments against repealing the Eighth Amendment, as well as the gospel message. We plan to put up posters around the time of the vote, and are hoping to get a billboard displayed as well. We also hope to reach out to other churches in our country and ask if they would also distribute flyers in their counties. If you would like to help us in our effort in any way please contact us by email: admin@arann-reformed.com