This article was particularly interesting to me because of the mere fact that the topic of abortion is being talked about in more than just America, it is nice to know. It is a very controversial subject in our country but I did not think that it would be in other places around the world. Knowing that there is a lot of catholic-type religions in Ireland it makes sense that the views of religious people would most likely be against abortion, as in the U.S. but the fact that abortions are not looked at as probable or beneficial at all in Ireland shows the strict views and values they as a country possess.
As stated by the author, Marie O'Halloran, "Failure to legislate on the X-case means that a woman cannot access an abortion even when it is necessary to save her life" is the main issue about abortion in Ireland. Should it be legislated or not? Should the doctors and surgeons be against aborting a baby or be for saving a woman's life who is in danger of death due to her baby's life? These are questions that are asked when the topic of abortion comes up in Irish people's daily lives. It is not completely legal and not completely illegal so the question lies there between right and wrong. The only real guideline given in reading this article is that the only way abortion is okay is if the doctor suspects a grave risk that the mother is going to die because of the birth of her child, then the abortion is somewhat constituted.
The quote towards the end of the article, "Ireland is perhaps unique in the western world of having no effective means for a woman, even when her life is gravely threatened, to access an abortion on Irish soil" makes me believe that there is no actual law that lets women in Ireland access abortion but in essence that implies there is no restriction against having a baby aborted either. This article overall is confusing because I do not understand whether you can or cannot have an abortion in Ireland however, the news story ends talking about other European countries including Ireland having 'stringent restrictions' on a woman's right to have an abortion and hints towards being prosecuted in Ireland if actions are taken to go against the specific restrictions. You can see how this article sparked my interest because of the similarity between controversial issues in Ireland and the United States but also my lack of clarity on what the actual restrictions are of women having access to abortions in Ireland.
Link to article:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0301/1224265372281.html
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Keera,
ReplyDeleteThis is a good choice of a news story to blog about. I think you should re-read the article. Look at who the sources are being quoted.
It appears that there is a pro choice group that is seeking more clarity in the laws in Ireland :re abortion. Apparently they had just had a major meeting and came out with a statement. That's why this is "news" i.e. new info about the topic. See if you can find other stories in the archives of this newspaper or elsewhere.
I found this article to be interesting too! It sparked my interest because I do know that Ireland is a very religious nation, and it is interesting to hear their stance on abortion
ReplyDeleteI really like this article and think its great that you brought it to everyone attention, i probably would have never seen anything about legislation in Ireland if you hadn't. Abortion is a really touchy topic here in America and its very interesting to think about it in a country like Ireland who's known for being so religious. Good article.
ReplyDelete