of ireland: what’s next for ireland?

When the referendum passed, some individuals warned that Ireland would be punished for allowing provisions to be made for legal abortion in the country. We’ve since had the hottest summer in 40 years, maybe this can be seen as proof of such punishment? All I can say is, if this is hell, it’s doing wonders for my tan. In all seriousness, however, the sky has yet to fall. As abortion was happening already in this country, that is far from surprising, in my opinion. While the referendum may have passed, we still have some work remaining, to guarantee access to free, safe and legal abortion, and to build on the momentum from the referendum. 

Currently, it’s likely that legislation will not be passed allowing for abortion in the Republic of Ireland until January 2019. This comes as a result of a number of legal challenges following the result of the referendum. This delay in legislation means that on average nine women are still travelling to England each day to access abortion services, and another three each day obtaining abortion pills online which still carries a sentence of fourteen years if they are caught. While it’s very easy to get caught up in the positivity of the aftermath of the referendum, and to forget about the women who continue to face this difficult journey, the discourse around these women has finally changed.  

Friends and strangers in the UK post offers of accommodation on Facebook for those who need safe places to stay, what was once barely whispered about has become commonplace conversation. These conversations are supported by the knowledge that two thirds of people decided to vote with compassion. I have no doubt that this will be seen as a watershed moment for women’s rights in Ireland. Campaigners are sticking by their guns, not accepting the government’s initial plan that abortions could cost up to €300, pushing for exclusion zones to be included in the legislation to protect people who need to procure abortions, and for the wording of the legislation to be gender neutral and inclusive of trans and non-binary individuals.  I have no doubt that we will not settle for less than free, safe, legal abortion in this country, which can be accessed by anyone who requires it, and will not discriminate based on income, citizenship status, or gender identity. 

Attention has turned to the plight of women in Northern Ireland, the only place in the UK in which abortion remains illegal. The North has its own complex political and religious context which impacts the availability of abortion, and also on what can be done to make changes to the law. In particular, the current lack of a devolved government, and the involvement of the DUP propping up Theresa May’s government which is limiting the changes that can be made regarding this issue and many others. Abortion (alongside marriage equality, same sex marriage is also illegal in Northern Ireland) is an issue which should be dealt with by a developed government, and in the absence of this, by Westminster, however Westminster are hamstrung by their unionist allies in the north. The DUP are firmly against both abortion and same sex marriage and are using their influence in the British government to resist the calls for change coming from many Northern Irish people. This won’t stop the momentum of the feminist movement however, which has been empowered to no end by the result in the Republic, and multiple pro-choice and marriage equality marches have been held since May 25th. Lending support to our neighbours in the North is a top priority for many of those who campaigned for Repeal. 

Abortion isn’t the only social issue which is on our agenda. The anti-racist movement has also gained momentum from the abortion referendum. With immigrants central to the debates about abortion, in particular those who are limited in their ability to travel in order to access it, efforts to improve the poor conditions which many are subjected to in direct provision in Ireland have greatly increased. Unreasonable and generally racist restrictions on their right to work in the country are rightfully under fire, increasingly so following the abortion referendum. This is likely due to the sense of hope and positivity around what can be achieved by well meaning, hardworking, grassroots movements looking for positive change, after such a successful campaign for the referendum. We’ve won the battle, but we’re ready for our next fight now.  

So, what’s next for the women of Ireland? I’m thinking world domination, one equality issue at a time.