While the battle over abortion is heated enough stateside, major waves are being made across the pond major waves in the abortion movement in Ireland. The strongly Catholic country has always maintained a policy of completely outlawing abortion, in any case, until now. Prime Minister Enda Kenny supports the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act Bill following the death of a miscarrying woman who was denied an abortion due to blood poisoning. The bill would allow for abortions when the mother's life is in danger.
What really has religious lawmakers and church leaders riled up is a provision that accounts for suicide, claiming that this could lead to anyone claiming a desire for suicide in order to receive an abortion. However, in order for this provision to work, women must get the thumbs-up from two separate psychiatrists and an obstetrician. Lengthy debates are taking place in the Irish parliament before declaring the bill's passage into law.
With the backing of the largest parliamentary majority in the country's history, the bill's eventual passing is as good as done, even with the past six governments refusing to do so. However, there's still strides to be made when it comes to reproductive rights in Ireland: Women who become pregnant after incest or rape are still denied abortions after a bill that would permit such acts was dismissed this year. Punishments for having an illegal abortion are hefty, as well: Up to 14 years in prison.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.
-
Travis Kelce Details Coachella Date Night With Taylor Swift
"It was so much fun."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Yes, That’s Meghan Markle’s Calligraphy on American Riviera Orchard’s Logo
Everything having to do with the lifestyle brand seems personal to the Duchess of Sussex.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Jennifer Lopez's Errand Outfit Includes Blueberry Sweats and a Birkin
No one does high-low quite like her.
By India Roby Published
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
By Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, hosts of Pantsuit Politics Podcast Published
-
The Supreme Court Is Hearing Arguments in a Case That Could Overturn 'Roe v. Wade'
'Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization' is the most consequential abortion rights case in decades.
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
By Emily Cain Published
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
By Rachel Epstein Published
-
Trump Vows to Appoint Pro-Life Judge to Supreme Court
In a new interview with 60 Minutes, the President Elect confirms his stance on Roe v. Wade.
By Sally Holmes Published
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
By Rona Akbari Published