Courtney McGrailJohn Reid
The Pro-Life Campaign (PLC) has expressed optimism at the findings of an opinion poll published by the Irish Times last week, stating that the sample shows that the clear majority of Irish voters are opposed to abortion on demand. The PLC described the outcome as a “rebuke” to the ‘Repeal’ campaign which is advocating for the removal of the protection of unborn children guaranteed by the Constitution.
The poll, conducted by Ipsos/MRBI, suggests that 55% of respondents favour repeal of the Eighth Amendment only to allow for ‘limited’ access to abortion in cases of rape or so-called fatal foetal abnormality (a term objected to by many parents whose children have been diagnosed with life-limiting conditions in the womb).
Only 19% of respondents want access to abortion on demand, as is the case in Britain while 18% said that they do not favour repeal of the life equality amendment.
Dr Ruth Cullen of the Pro-Life Campaign said: “The poll clearly shows that 73% of respondents do not want unrestricted access to abortion in Ireland [18% opposed to repeal and 55% only in limited circumstances], along the lines of what the ‘Repeal’ campaign is looking for”.
Findings
Dr Cullen went on to say that “the overall findings of the poll are reassuring from a pro-life standpoint. The ‘Repeal’ campaign are looking for unrestricted access to abortion. This poll shows very clearly the public do not support such a regime being introduced.”
Dr Cullen expressed confidence that the Irish public are gaining an understanding of the reality of how abortion effects countries that have introduced it: “We are very confident that support for keeping the Eighth Amendment will grow and grow as people realise the international experience shows there is no such thing as limited abortion once it is introduced. The reality is, when the right to life is taken away from some unborn children, it quickly leads to other grounds and categories being included. It is very clear from today’s poll the Irish public don’t want to see that happening,” Dr Cullen concluded.
