Ireland: repeal the 8th Amendment - fight for abortion rights

ROSA activists campaign for a woman's right to choose in Ireland, photo CWI Ireland (Click to enlarge)

Laura Fitzgerald

In October, the Fine Gael-minority led government refused to give a second reading to the AAA-PBP* bill which called for a repeal referendum to the 8th amendment of the Irish constitution (which prohibits women's abortion rights).The bill was proposed by Socialist Party member Ruth Coppinger TD (MP).

The government has now delayed even an initial debate on the issue at Dáil (parliament) level for at least a year.

The pro-repeal government Independents fell pathetically into line. Sinn Féin supported the bill, but used its speaking time to clarify that it supports very limited legislation, namely the status quo (abortion allowed if life is in danger, including through suicide), plus fatal foetal abnormalities, rape and incest.

In Ireland there has been a clear development of a pro-choice sentiment within society. In poll after poll, two-thirds want increased abortion rights.

All this serves to reinforce the need to build a growing, active, powerful movement outside the Dáil to force through change.

Recently in Poland there was a successful 100,000-strong women's strike to block the government's attempt to bring in a full abortion ban.

It's more than possible to win people over to the notion that, as opposed to the church or state, whether or not to continue with a pregnancy has to be the woman's own decision.

A bold pro-choice movement, especially a movement that is also raising the need for public housing, for massive investment in state childcare, and for equality generally, will be greeted with solidarity and support from the majority of people.

Anti Austerity Alliance (AAA) and People Before Profit (PBP) left bloc in the Dáil (Irish parliament). The AAA, in which the Socialist Party plays a leading role, has been to the fore in successfully campaigning against the imposition of the previous Fine Gael-Labour coalition government's hated water charges.

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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.