Upcoming Abortion Vote in Ireland Energizes Religious Leaders Around the World

US conservatives are particularly keen to ban abortion

A number of well-known U.S. pro-life leaders have urged Leo Varadkar, the Prime Minister of Ireland, to uphold the European country's 8th amendment[/tweetit]. The law preserves unborn babies' rights towards their life. If the upcoming vote in May overturns this particular amendment, there would be legalized abortion for any reason. The procedure can also be conducted at any gestation stage as well.

Upcoming Abortion Vote in Ireland Energizes Religious Leaders Around the World[/tweetthis]

On March 15, a letter bearing the signature of 17 noted pro-life Americans were delivered by hand to Prime Minister Varadkar. The timing was significant as it comes a day prior to his visiting the White House. The Irish PM attended the yearly festivities linked to Saint Patrick's Day.

The letter begins with the statement that the signers are aware of the present debate raging on in Ireland concerning the 8th Amendment and abortion. The next line urged the PM to uphold the rights and dignity of every Irish national. It continues on this path, alluding to World Health Organization reports of Ireland having one of the lowest mortality rates from maternity-related causes. It points out that this positive report was made possible without abortion. The last part of the letter informed the Irish PM that obstetrics researchers and experienced practitioners of gynecology have praised the 8th Amendment law of Ireland. The signers claimed that Irish women and consequently children are much better off sans abortion.

The list of signers to the letter include Jeanne Mancini, President, March for Life Education and Defense Fund, Chuck Donovan, President, Charlotte Lozier Institute, Kristan Hawkins, President, Students for Life of America, Honorable Marilyn Musgrave and Marjorie Dannenfelser of Susan B. Anthony List, Penny Young Nance, President, Concerned Women for America, and Marie S. Smith, Director, Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues. These leaders gave an example of the United States when it concerns pain related to abortion. The latter was made legal in America after the landmark Roe v. Wade case. They claimed soon after the case, millions of mothers have been badly affected by abortion. A few of them have even died. The letter went on to claim that approximately 55 million American children were missing due to a law which allowed abortion to take place.

So happy and inspired to be part of 100,000 people today at #Save8Rally to ensure abortion never comes to Ireland. pic.twitter.com/2MqYztqMkA

— Clodagh Gallagher (@clogallagher) March 10, 2018

The 8th Amendment came into legal existence in 1983. 67 percent at that time voted in support. Pro-life leaders claim that the amendment saved more than 100,000 lives. PM Varadkar announced in June 2017 that his administration would permit a referendum to be held on this amendment. The PM's personal tendency is towards the repeal of the law.

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