International day of action for abortion rights in Ireland

ROSA campaigners and Socialist Party TDs at a press conference, photo by SP Ireland (Click to enlarge)

On 28 October protests will take place at Irish embassies and consulates around the world, called by Irish campaign ROSA (Reproductive rights, against Oppression, Sexism and Austerity). The day will mark the second anniversary of the death of Savita Halappanavar - victim of Ireland's backward abortion laws.

Two years later, despite huge desire for change from below, we've seen no progress. This was highlighted again recently by the case of a vulnerable young migrant woman's battle with the system.

Presenting at approximately eight weeks pregnant, suicidal as a result of her pregnancy, the protracted process included 'experts' from the medical field and court orders (including one for forced hydration after her resorting to hunger and thirst strike). There was also an attempt to legally force the woman to undergo a C-section, which she eventually capitulated to. Incredibly, the 'unborn' was allocated a lawyer, as well as the woman.

The protests will call for a referendum to repeal the eighth amendment of the Irish constitution (the constitutional ban on abortion). The majority of the population in Ireland support a vote on the issue. Other referenda, including on marriage equality, are planned for the spring of next year and repealing the eighth should be added to the ballot.

Life-and-death

The Socialist Party's three TDs (MPs) are backing the campaign. Ruth Coppinger said: "We believe this is now a life-and-death issue for women in this country. This sectarian, anti-woman amendment can no longer be tolerated."

Joe Higgins added: "Medical guidelines just published ominously make explicit reference to C-section and early induction. Is the Labour Party in government going to continue the legacy of a Catholic Church-influenced State, of Magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes and symphysiotomy [surgically dividing the pubic bone for childbirth - a procedure performed without consent on 1,500 Irish women between 1944 and 1984]? Of controlling women's bodies and denying them healthcare and rights?"

"We wish to win two 'Yes' votes in one day in the Spring of next year - for marriage equality, and to lift Ireland's abortion ban - and strike a major blow against Church insistence on dictating crucial personal choices in people's lives. The latest poll shows that 56% support a referendum in the lifetime of this government, with only 19% against, so why does the government repeat the mantra of 'no appetite'?"

Join the London protest

1pm, 28 October

Irish embassy, 17 Grosvenor Place, London, SW1X 7HR (nearest tube Hyde Park Corner)

Ruth Coppinger, Socialist Party TD will be speaking at the Saturday rally of Socialism 2014 - 8 & 9 November in London

Donate to the Socialist Party

Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.