This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ireland-abortion-referendum-live-updates-repeal-eighth-amendment-vote-latest-poll-a8334956.html

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 16 Version 17
Irish abortion referendum-latest updates: Voting begins on islands with Ireland divided on eighth amendment Irish abortion referendum-latest updates: Voters go to polls with Ireland divided on eighth amendment
(about 13 hours later)
Ireland goes to the polls on Friday 25 May to vote in a referendum that could end the country’s ban on abortion. Voters will be asked if they want to repeal the eighth amendment of the country’s constitution, which recognises the equal right to life of both mother and unborn child, effectively banning terminations. Ireland is going to the polls today to vote in a referendum that could end the country’s ban on abortion. Voters will be asked if they want to repeal the eighth amendment of the country’s constitution, which recognises the equal right to life of both mother and unborn child, effectively banning terminations.
This amendment has been in place since 1983, and the campaign to repeal it has rapidly picked up steam in recent years, spurred on by cases such as the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012.This amendment has been in place since 1983, and the campaign to repeal it has rapidly picked up steam in recent years, spurred on by cases such as the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012.
If the amendment is repealed, it will allow for the Irish government to legislate on abortion as they see fit, most likely up to 12 weeks. The two biggest parties in the country, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are allowing members to take a free position on the issue, while Sinn Fein and Labour are officially backing a Yes vote. The result should be known on Saturday.
We will be following the campaign across the next few weeks on our site and on our Facebook group. So join us as we report on the debate and discussion this issue is sparking in Ireland and around the world.  If the amendment is repealed, it will allow for the Irish government to legislate on abortion as they see fit, most likely allowing terminations within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The two biggest parties in the country, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are allowing members to take a free position on the issue, while Sinn Fein and Labour are officially backing a Yes vote.
You can follow the day's events here and on our Facebook group. 
Follow the latest developments below:Follow the latest developments below:
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.