The Abortion Vote
Without a doubt the only political issue that seems to be gender specific must be the abortion question. All the other issues I can think of pertain to both sexes equally in some manner or form in this country. Here in Ireland women can vote, they have access to all educational facilities, women can join the military, drive cars and own property. We have women in politics (though not enough), we have world class female athletes, and we are blessed with women professionals in business, law and medicine. These achievements are not available in every modern country in the world; but, the problem is: Irish women do not have the Right of Choice when it comes to their own bodies.
Well, let me clarify that, they can make the choice to have an abortion but they must also be prepared to travel outside the country to have the procedure. The numbers of those who are making the journey these days are down, according to the IFPA, to just over a 100 per week! Also in the report is the startling fact that over 117,000 women have gone to Britain (not to mention other countries which are not monitored) between the years 1980-2004 to follow through with their decision to abort a pregnancy. For an objective article and the story concerning Rhonda K of Dublin, we can see how hypocritical our system is. The laws, as they stand, are letting the women of Ireland down in a very grievous way.
We all would love to think that the news of every pregnancy is a welcomed moment of joy for the expectant mother; but, only the naive believe this must be true in every case. What is needed here is a new referendum to be included in the next election. Since this is entirely a womens issue the ballot paper for this referendum should be a separate page and handed to women only at the polling place. Ultimately it is the mothers perogative and responsibility and we should respect and support that here in Ireland and be the first to show that women here are capable of making their own decisions for their own bodies.
If it takes two to make a baby, how is it that one parent’s right to choose should supercede the other? Shouldn’t they decide the future of the pregnancy in the same way that they conceived the pregnancy…together?
Comment by M. Harney — June 24, 2007 @ 4:13 am
Absolutely M. Harney, that is the best case scenario! But these situations are not always as stable and cooperative as we may hope them to be. In your example, should the couple wish to choose the abortion option here, they would still have to leave the country to fulfill their wishes. If HE wants the baby and SHE doesn’t should she be forced by law to carry full term? Ultimately, but we all hope in a joint decision, the choice is up to the women. So I submit they and they alone should vote on a referendum concerning the laws here in Ireland. Thank you for the comment!
Comment by Administrator — June 24, 2007 @ 9:38 am
So taking your point one step further: He wants the baby, she doesn’t. How can one desire supercede the other in this case? Why should the woman have the weightier vote and louder voice. Equal and unalienable rights for all,equal voice,liberty, pursuit of happines and all that. The man is impacted culturally,(as we have seen a lot in recent memory with changing expectations and roles. And rules!) and will ultimately have to help pick up the pieces of their women who may grieve their loss down the line. Men have hearts too, and should have a say.
Comment by M. Harney — June 24, 2007 @ 3:06 pm
If it were the men who bore the children I can assure you there would be services within Ireland for the procedure.
Comment by Administrator — June 24, 2007 @ 4:40 pm