The referendum has divided voters in a traditionally Roman Catholic country where sign of changing attitudes have emerged in recent years. Abortion is only permissible in very rare cases when the woman’s life is judged to be in danger. Supporters of the eighth amendment say it has prevented Ireland from becoming an “abortion on demand” country like much of Europe. Since a legal challenge in 1992, the law has allowed Irish women to travel to another country to obtain an abortion. The “no” side is banking on a strong vote in rural areas and smaller cities to offset what is likely to be strong support for repeal in the capital, Dublin.

Source: National Post May 25, 2018 06:56 UTC