In relation to the X case, a protest rally congregated at the GPO in Dublin in 1992. The protest was in support of a woman's right to abortion and abortion information and the right to travel. Photograph: Derek SpeirsGovernment officials were concerned that, in the wake of the X case, women who left Ireland to access abortion services overseas could face penalties when they returned, newly released documents show. The referendum was prompted by the X case, in which a 14-year-old girl was raped and became pregnant. Some ministers wanted the consequences of the X case dealt with by legislation, but others felt that it could only be addressed by a referendum.

Source: The Irish Times December 28, 2025 06:02 UTC