News
news
Share
Citizen’s Assembly has voted in favour of changing the Eighth Amendment
Published 13:08 22 Apr 2017 BST
Updated 14:46 22 Apr 2017 BST
Homenews
A strong majority within the Citizen's Assembly has voted in favour of changing the country's abortion laws.
87% of the Assembly members voted that Article 40.3.3 of the constitution should not be retained in full. The article, known as the Eighth Amendment, gives the unborn child the equal right to life to that of the mother. If the result of the vote is implemented by the Government, there will have to be a referendum to change the constitution. The Assembly will vote on a second ballot this afternoon, this ballot is on account of the first ballot returning a majority on NOT retaining the Eighth Amendment. If the first ballot had not returned a majority, there would have second ballot. Chair of the Citizens’ Assembly Ms Justice Mary Laffoy has just explained to Assembly members that they will be voting at 2.30pm on whether the Eighth Amendment should be repealed from the constitution or replaced/amended.Explore more on these topics:
