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Sinn F\u00e9in says people have a chance to change an historic wrong – by voting yes in the abortion referendum.<\/p>\nSinn F\u00e9in says people have a chance to change an historic wrong – by voting yes in the abortion referendum.<\/p>\n
The party has launched its official campaign calling for a repeal of the Eighth amendment next month.<\/p>\n
Leader Mary Lou McDonald says the Eighth robs women of their dignity and equality when facing the most horrific situations of their lives.<\/p>\n
She says it is about showing care and compassion.<\/p>\n
“We cannot, as a society, stand by as rape victims are traumatised and coerced into carrying pregnancies to full term,” said Ms McDonald.<\/p>\n
“We cannot, as a society, stand by as the state makes exiles of traumatised and vulnerable women and of those who have received a diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Save the 8th Campaign says the government’s plans would allow abortion for healthy babies up to 6 months into a pregnancy.<\/p>\n
The proposed legislation allows for terminations before viability if there is a serious risk to the health or life of the mother.<\/p>\n
Two doctors including one obstetrician or gynaecologist would have to examine the woman and approve an abortion in cases where a termination was sought after 12 weeks of pregnancy.<\/p>\n
Save the 8th spokesperson Mairead Hughes says the Eighth amendment protected her during her own pregnancy.<\/p>\n
She said: “These proposals are shocking.<\/p>\n
“Barra was born at six months and one day, he was intubated obviously because he wasn’t ready to breathe on his own at that stage.<\/p>\n
“I saw him wince when he was intubated, I saw him react to pain. It’s frightening to think that healthy babies will be aborted.<\/p>\n
“It will be cruel, it will be painful.”<\/p>\n