POLL: Irish doctors call for the decriminalisation of abortion, do you agree?

Ireland's next big debate is gathering momentum...

Some of Ireland's leading healthcare professionals have signed a letter to Amnesty International, arguing that the criminalisation of abortion puts lives at risk. 838 doctors from 44 different countries have put their names to the letter, which states:

“The criminalisation of abortion prevents healthcare providers from delivering timely, medically indicated care in accordance with their patients’ wishes. It impedes and disregards sound medical judgment and can undermine the professional duty of care and confidentiality that doctors bear towards their patients.”

In Ireland, the law only allows for abortion if there is a significant threat to the life of the mother. If a doctor misgauges the threat and performs an abortion, they are liable to spend 14 years in prison.

Speaking to the Irish Times, Dr. Peter Boylan said “Under the [current law] we must wait until women become sick enough before we can intervene. How close to death do you have to be? There is no answer to that."

Irish celebrities such as Liam Neeson and Graham Linehan have recently come out in support of changing the Irish abortion law. Where do you stand?