The first votes of the abortion referendum will be cast later when many islanders take to the polling booths. The first votes of the abortion referendum will be cast later when many islanders take to the polling booths. First votes to be cast in abortion referendum todayAn electorate of just over 2,000 is expected in a scattering of Atlantic outposts today as voters decide whether to reform some of the strictest termination laws in Europe. The Eighth effectively outlaws abortion in all cases unless a mother's life is in danger and its repeal would allow the Government to introduce laws permitting the procedure in early pregnancy. Weeks of campaigning ahead of the abortion referendum have polarised opinion across the country.

Source: Irish Independent May 24, 2018 05:26 UTC