The courtyard of Irelands Dublin Castle and social media erupted in celebration as the nation voted to repeal their strict abortion laws. Pro-life groups, however, have vowed to continue the debate that has divided the country.
More than 1,429,981 people voted in favor of ripping up the Eighth Amendment of the countrys constitution in what was a divisive referendum on the island, with more than 723,000 opting to retain the clause. The 1983 amendment, which will now be removed from the Irish constitution, introduced a strict fetus termination policy viewed as an effective abortion ban.
READ MORE: Quiet revolution: Ireland votes to legalize abortion
BREAKING: REFERENDUM RESULT
Total poll 2,159,655
Invalid 6,042
Valid poll 2,153,613
Yes 1,429,981
No 723,632Majority in favour 706,349
— RTÉ Politics (@rtepolitics) May 26, 2018
The law gave equal right to life of the unborn, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother. Pro-choice supporters argued that the clause restricted adequate healthcare and womens autonomy over their own bodies while forcing Irish citizens to seek medical care in countries like the UK, where abortion is legal.
Some pro-life groups, such as the Iona Institute, fought against the repeal on the basis that abortion is incompatible with the Catholic faith, while others were unhappy with the limitations proposed. The change now opens up the opportunity for the government to introduce legal abortions up to 12 weeks into pregnancy.
Reacting to the landslide victory on Saturday, Irelands Abortion Rights Campaign hailed the result an“historic” moment.
“Our slogan has always been Free, Safe and Legal and we will continue to work to ensure that for everyone in Ireland who needs abortion care,” the group said.
“This result is bigger than Ireland: we know the world watches us as abortion access is being eroded in other places. Ireland now has the opportunity to be a beacon to the world in terms of respect for people who can get pregnant.”
Irelands Prime Minister Leo Varadkar described the outcome as a “quiet revolution” that took place over many years.
Fantastic crowds at Dublin Castle. Remarkable day. A quiet revolution has taken place, a great act of democracy. pic.twitter.com/MLtzkSkdLw
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) May 26, 2018
Meanwhile, UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn congratulated Ireland on a “fantastic victory” for womens rights.
Great news that the Republic of Ireland has voted to #Repealthe8th to support a womans right to choose.
Congratulations to everyone who has taken part in this inspiring campaign and to everyone who travelled home to vote. A fantastic victory for womens rights.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 26, 2018
Social media has since erupted with images of people celebrating the referendum result.
But Irish campaigners against the changing of the constitution have said they will continue to debate the issue, despite what some have called a “sad day” for Ireland.
David Quinn, director of the Iona Institute, a Roman Catholic advocacy group, said the pro-life movement will continue despite the defeat.
The result today is basically a reversal of the 1983 result. On that occasion the defeated side did not simply slip away. The pro-life movement has to be here for the long haul like in many other countries. #8thref
— David Quinn (@DavQuinn) May 26, 2018
Meanwhile, the anti-abortion organization American Life League joined the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children to criticize Irish voters for the decision.
The saddest irony coming out of Ireland: the people voting to take away a child's right to life are the same ones who were once protected by it.
— American Life League (@AmerLifeLeague) May 26, 2018
Today is a sad day for Ireland and for people who believe in genuine human rights. The struggle to defend the most vulnerable has not ended today, it's just changed. Thank you to all the incredible people who worked so hard to protect women and save babies. We fight on. #8thref
— Cora Sherlock (@CoraSherlock) May 26, 2018
“Today unborn Irish children have been stripped of their dignity and protections by a majority of the adult voting population,” said Liam Gibson, spokesman for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.
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