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Irish abortion referendum: exit polls predict landslide for yes as count begins – live Irish abortion referendum: Save the 8th campaign concedes defeat – live
(35 minutes later)
The Guardian’s Lisa O’Caroll is watching the count in Roscommon, traditionally one of Ireland’s most conservative counties, and reports that even there, the yes campaign looks to be doing well: The projected yes victory looks like a foregone conclusion if social media mentions were anything to go by.
Online data analysts Meltwater crunched two days’ worth of social media conversations around the world on Thursday and Friday – the day of the referendum – and found the Repealthe8th hashtag was 11 times more popular:
#RepealThe8th / #Repeal8th: total number of mentions 335,373
Trending themes: Ireland, women, abortion, abortion pill, sink, jail sentence, vote, #hometovote, freedom, jail sentence. Geographical spread: UK, Ireland, USA, Australia, Canada
#SaveTheEighth / #savethe8th: total mentions 30,450
Trending themes: Ireland, life, abortion, human life, people, vote, amendment, pray, young irish women, child. Geographical spread: USA, Ireland, UK, Canada, Australia
#HometoVote: total number of mentions: 192,142
Trending themes: Ireland, today, women, abortion, Savita Halappanvar, pregnancy, doctors, sepsis, Dublin airport.
The international organisation that sponsored two Irish women who sued the Dublin government at the United Nations over being forced to have abortions abroad said the projected Yes victory would give hope to women across the world today.
The New York based Centre for reproductive rights, which backed – among others – Amanda Mellet’s complaint to the UN, said the expected yes vote “would reverberate globally for years to come.” Leah Hoctor, regional director for Europe at the CRR, said:
If the referendum passes it will mark a historic moment for the women of Ireland. Irish laws on abortion have long been among the most restrictive in the world and wholly out of step with legislation in almost every other European country ... Women living in counties with highly restrictive abortion laws would have cause for hope that significant change can be achieved.
Save the 8th, which led the no campaign, has effectively conceded defeat, saying in a statement on its website that Irish voters have perpetrated “a tragedy of historic proportions”.
The 8th amendment did not create a right to life for the unborn child – it merely acknowledged that such a right exists, has always existed, and will always exist.
What Irish voters did yesterday is a tragedy of historic proportions. However, a wrong does not become right simply because a majority support it.
We are so proud of all of those who stood with us in this campaign: our supporters, our donors, our families and our loved ones. This campaign took a huge personal toll on all of us who were involved, and we have been so grateful for their support.
The unborn child no longer has a right to life recognised by the Irish state. Shortly, legislation will be introduced that will allow babies to be killed in our country. We will oppose that legislation. If and when abortion clinics are opened in Ireland, because of the inability of the government to keep their promise about a GP-led service, we will oppose that as well. Every time an unborn child has his or her life ended in Ireland, we will oppose that, and make our voices known.
Abortion was wrong yesterday. It remains wrong today. The constitution has changed, but the facts have not.
More pressure is being placed on Northern Ireland over its restrictive abortion law from Clare Murphy, the external affairs director at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service.
Ireland’s voters have shown that denying women the right to abortion services in their own country in 2018 is not acceptable, she said.
This is a momentous step forward that is long overdue. For decades, Irish women have been forced to travel hundreds of miles to our clinics in England, often alone, at a huge personal and emotional cost.
The result, once confirmed, means that the Irish government can bring an end to this suffering, and legislate to provide the care women need at home. Now more than ever it is time for the UK government to show the same respect for the women of Northern Ireland.
The Guardian’s Lisa O’Carroll is watching the count in Roscommon, traditionally one of Ireland’s most conservative counties, and reports that even there, the yes campaign looks to be doing well.
Plenty of yes campaigners with their “repeal” jumpers here at Roscommon count. Early stages here but so far all tallies I’ve spoken to have recorded a lead to “yes” apart from one rural area. One of 7 Ros town boxes was 201 to 146: another 156 “yes” to 125 another 91 to 91 pic.twitter.com/nl1Zxo20ySPlenty of yes campaigners with their “repeal” jumpers here at Roscommon count. Early stages here but so far all tallies I’ve spoken to have recorded a lead to “yes” apart from one rural area. One of 7 Ros town boxes was 201 to 146: another 156 “yes” to 125 another 91 to 91 pic.twitter.com/nl1Zxo20yS
The Irish capital is expected to return among the highest proportion of yes votes in the country. The Irish Times reports that with 23% of ballot boxes open in Dublin Bay South, 79% are yes and 21% no. Dublin Central has 46% of boxes open with 76% in favour of repealing the eighth and 24%% against. The Irish capital is expected to return one of the highest proportions of yes votes in the country. The Irish Times reports that with 23% of ballot boxes open in Dublin Bay South, 79% are for yes and 21% for no. Dublin Central has 46% of boxes open, with 76% in favour of repealing the eighth and 24% against.
The detail of the RTE exit poll shows Ireland has profoundly changed its attitudes towards women, with most voters saying they had made up their minds to repeal abortion laws years ago, reports Lisa O’Caroll. The detail of the RTÉ exit poll shows Ireland has profoundly changed its attitudes towards women, with most voters saying they had made up their minds to repeal abortion laws years ago, reports Lisa O’Carroll.
It showed little gender difference in voting, only one in 10 saying they were influenced by posters or religion, and more than 75% saying they had not changed their mind on abortion in the past five years – suggesting support for reform far predated the announcement of a referendum two months ago. It showed little gender difference in voting, with only one in 10 saying they were influenced by posters or religion, and more than 75% saying they had not changed their mind on abortion in the past five years – suggesting support for reform far predated the announcement of a referendum two months ago.
Colm O’Gorman, the head of Amnesty International in Ireland which campaigned for the yes vote, said expectations had been that Saturday’s count would be close but attitude surveys it conducted in 2015 had shown deep changes in thinking on abortion. Colm O’Gorman, the head of Amnesty International in Ireland, which campaigned for a yes vote, said expectations had been that the count would be close, but attitude surveys it conducted in 2015 had shown deep changes in thinking on abortion.
Some 82% said they had not changed their mind on how they were going to vote during the campaign and more than three-quarters said they were influenced by personal stories they heard in the media, or by people they knew. More than 80% said they had not changed their minds on how they were going to vote during the campaign, and more than three-quarters said they were influenced by personal stories they had heard in the media, or from people they knew.
Some 8% said they were influenced by the death of Savita Halappanavar during complications in her pregnancy in Galway in 2015. Eight percent said they were influenced by the death of Savita Halappanavar during complications in her pregnancy in Galway in 2015.
You can read Lisa’s full report here.You can read Lisa’s full report here.
Last night’s Irish Times exit poll showed that a whopping 87% of 18 to 24-year-olds supported a yes vote, reports Sinéad Baker. Last night’s Irish Times exit poll showed a whopping 87% of 18 to 24-year-olds supported a yes vote, reports Sinéad Baker.
The President of the Union of Students in Ireland Michael Kerrigan, who represents more than 374,000 students, said: The president of the Union of Students in Ireland, Michael Kerrigan, who represents more than 374,000 students, said:
We are delighted, but not at all surprised by the reported turnout of young people. We had predicted earlier in the week that this would be the largest youth vote in the historic of the state with a large majority voting yes. This is an issue that has been debated on campuses since the mid 1970’s and has really intensified I’m the last couple of years. The exit poll suggests that this issues was not a divisive as reported and that repeal was supported across generations. We are delighted, but not at all surprised by the reported turnout of young people. We had predicted earlier in the week that this would be the largest youth vote in the history of the state, with a large majority voting yes. This is an issue that has been debated on campuses since the mid-1970s and has really intensified in the last couple of years. The exit poll suggests this issue was not as divisive as reported and that repeal was supported across generations.
The union has been pushing for a repeal of the eighth amendment for years, and has been a constant presence at marches and demonstrations. They directly registered over 25,000 students to vote in the run up to the referendum. The union has been pushing for repeal of the eighth amendment for years, and has been a constant presence at marches and demonstrations. It directly registered more than 25,000 students to vote in the run-up to the referendum.
The idea that Ireland is a conservative country seems to be melting away. When it comes to referendums on social issues, Ireland has not voted for the conservative option since 1983.The idea that Ireland is a conservative country seems to be melting away. When it comes to referendums on social issues, Ireland has not voted for the conservative option since 1983.
And over that time, both the rural/urban divide and the generation gap have slowly closed. When the country voted in favour of permitting divorce in 1995, it did so by just 9,000 votes and only five constituencies outside of Dublin voted in favour. Over that time, both the rural/urban divide and the generation gap have slowly closed. When the country voted in favour of permitting divorce in 1995, it did so by 9,000 votes and only five constituencies outside Dublin voted in favour.
In the 2015 plebiscite on same-sex marriage, the rural/urban divide vanished, and cross-generational support was clear – and it looks like this is the case again in 2018.In the 2015 plebiscite on same-sex marriage, the rural/urban divide vanished, and cross-generational support was clear – and it looks like this is the case again in 2018.
The expected result in the Irish referendum is likely to put significant pressure on politicians in Northern Ireland to review its highly restrictive regime, reports Harriet Sherwood.The expected result in the Irish referendum is likely to put significant pressure on politicians in Northern Ireland to review its highly restrictive regime, reports Harriet Sherwood.
If the repeal of the eighth amendment is confirmed and followed by legislation to permit abortion on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy, Northern Ireland will be the only place in the UK and Ireland – and most of Europe – where terminations are outlawed bar in the most exceptional circumstances. If the repeal of the eighth amendment is confirmed and followed by legislation to permit abortion on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy, Northern Ireland will be the only place in the UK and Ireland – and most of Europe – where terminations are outlawed except for the most exceptional circumstances.
UK politicians acknowledged that Northern Ireland would come under the spotlight as exit polls released their predictions. Penny Mordaunt, the international development secretary who also holds the equality brief, tweeted: UK politicians acknowledged that Northern Ireland would come under the spotlight as the exit polls landed. Penny Mordaunt, the international development secretary, who also holds the equalities brief, tweeted:
Based on the exit poll, a historic & great day for Ireland, & a hopeful one for Northern Ireland. That hope must be met. #HomeToVote stories are a powerful and moving testimony as to why this had to happen and that understanding & empathy exists between generations. #trustwomenBased on the exit poll, a historic & great day for Ireland, & a hopeful one for Northern Ireland. That hope must be met. #HomeToVote stories are a powerful and moving testimony as to why this had to happen and that understanding & empathy exists between generations. #trustwomen
And Owen Smith, the former shadow Northern Ireland secretary, had this to say:And Owen Smith, the former shadow Northern Ireland secretary, had this to say:
Wonderful news, if true. And a powerful message to Northern Ireland. We need change across the whole island of Ireland. https://t.co/VTTdPmlUDjWonderful news, if true. And a powerful message to Northern Ireland. We need change across the whole island of Ireland. https://t.co/VTTdPmlUDj
You can read Harriet’s full story here.You can read Harriet’s full story here.
One of the key cases influencing the debate on abortion in Ireland was that of the Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar, who died of sepsis at a hospital in Galway after being denied an abortion during a protracted miscarriage.One of the key cases influencing the debate on abortion in Ireland was that of the Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar, who died of sepsis at a hospital in Galway after being denied an abortion during a protracted miscarriage.
Her husband, Praveen Halappanavar, claimed she requested a termination but was refused because the baby’s heart was still beating.Her husband, Praveen Halappanavar, claimed she requested a termination but was refused because the baby’s heart was still beating.
A midwife manager at Galway university hospital confirmed she told Halappanavar a termination could not be carried out because Ireland was a “Catholic country”.A midwife manager at Galway university hospital confirmed she told Halappanavar a termination could not be carried out because Ireland was a “Catholic country”.
Flowers and tributes were left at the Dublin mural of Savita Halappanavar, who died in 2012 in an Irish hospital after she was denied an abortion while suffering the complications of a septic miscarriage. “I’m so sorry. My vote was for you,” one note reads. #8thRef pic.twitter.com/b5DRnfZFs9Flowers and tributes were left at the Dublin mural of Savita Halappanavar, who died in 2012 in an Irish hospital after she was denied an abortion while suffering the complications of a septic miscarriage. “I’m so sorry. My vote was for you,” one note reads. #8thRef pic.twitter.com/b5DRnfZFs9
Anti-abortion “Save the Eighth” campaigners had warned “extreme” legislation would soon follow if the amendment were repealed, but the Irish government’s proposed new regime is comparable to that in most European countries and stricter than several.Anti-abortion “Save the Eighth” campaigners had warned “extreme” legislation would soon follow if the amendment were repealed, but the Irish government’s proposed new regime is comparable to that in most European countries and stricter than several.
Leah Hoctor, the regional director for Europe at the Center for Reproductive Rights, told Euronews this year that that 25 of the EU’s 28 member states permit abortion “either on a woman’s request, without restriction as to reason or for reasons of distress, or on broad socioeconomic or psychological grounds, at least in early pregnancy”.Leah Hoctor, the regional director for Europe at the Center for Reproductive Rights, told Euronews this year that that 25 of the EU’s 28 member states permit abortion “either on a woman’s request, without restriction as to reason or for reasons of distress, or on broad socioeconomic or psychological grounds, at least in early pregnancy”.
Abortion in most European countries is more or less freely available during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The Irish Times has the full list towards the bottom of its excellent “Abortion: the Facts” page.Abortion in most European countries is more or less freely available during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The Irish Times has the full list towards the bottom of its excellent “Abortion: the Facts” page.
Here’s what the count looks like up close, from Sunday Business’ Hugh O’Connell.Here’s what the count looks like up close, from Sunday Business’ Hugh O’Connell.
A tally sheet from Dublin Central pic.twitter.com/q208ZVUzGZA tally sheet from Dublin Central pic.twitter.com/q208ZVUzGZ
And the Guardian’s Lisa O’Carroll is at the count in Roscommon.And the Guardian’s Lisa O’Carroll is at the count in Roscommon.
Count underway in Roscommon. People with pens and paper are the “tallies” pic.twitter.com/VOzmLfZNG5Count underway in Roscommon. People with pens and paper are the “tallies” pic.twitter.com/VOzmLfZNG5
So why did the yes campaign win so convincingly? The Guardian’s Ireland correspondent, Henry McDonald, offers his first take, identifying four key reasons:So why did the yes campaign win so convincingly? The Guardian’s Ireland correspondent, Henry McDonald, offers his first take, identifying four key reasons:
The first is the loss of political power in the pulpit since the early 1990s, when a series of scandals started to beset the Irish Catholic hierarchy. From Archbishop Eamonn Casey raiding the funds of his diocese to look after his lover and his son, to the Irish state trying to prevent the extradition of a serial paedophile priest for his crimes in Northern Ireland, the last decade of the 20th century charted a catastrophic loss of trust and authority on the part of bishops and cardinals.The first is the loss of political power in the pulpit since the early 1990s, when a series of scandals started to beset the Irish Catholic hierarchy. From Archbishop Eamonn Casey raiding the funds of his diocese to look after his lover and his son, to the Irish state trying to prevent the extradition of a serial paedophile priest for his crimes in Northern Ireland, the last decade of the 20th century charted a catastrophic loss of trust and authority on the part of bishops and cardinals.
Worse was to come as a raft of public inquiries revealed the industrial scale of sexual and physical abuse, as well as the economic exploitation of young children in the Catholic church’s care. It was telling that by the time of the referendum, the majority of no campaigners on public platforms and media outlets were lay people rather than priests, bishops or cardinals.Worse was to come as a raft of public inquiries revealed the industrial scale of sexual and physical abuse, as well as the economic exploitation of young children in the Catholic church’s care. It was telling that by the time of the referendum, the majority of no campaigners on public platforms and media outlets were lay people rather than priests, bishops or cardinals.
Secondly, there were the hard cases where the grim realities of abortion choices came up against theological and moral objections – from the 1992 X scandal, where some in the anti-abortion movement wanted to prevent a 14-year-old girl from travelling out of the state to have an abortion after being raped, to the plight of Savita Halappanavar, who died from sepsis in the womb in an Irish hospital six years ago after medics refused to grant her demand for a termination, prompting the UN to denounce the practice of forcing women to leave their country to obtain terminations as “cruel and inhumane”.Secondly, there were the hard cases where the grim realities of abortion choices came up against theological and moral objections – from the 1992 X scandal, where some in the anti-abortion movement wanted to prevent a 14-year-old girl from travelling out of the state to have an abortion after being raped, to the plight of Savita Halappanavar, who died from sepsis in the womb in an Irish hospital six years ago after medics refused to grant her demand for a termination, prompting the UN to denounce the practice of forcing women to leave their country to obtain terminations as “cruel and inhumane”.
Thirdly, there appears to have been an underlying message coming from the doorsteps from most voters. The Irish electorate recognised finally that this referendum was not really about if women were having abortions, but where they were taking place.Thirdly, there appears to have been an underlying message coming from the doorsteps from most voters. The Irish electorate recognised finally that this referendum was not really about if women were having abortions, but where they were taking place.
Yes campaigners reported that the view was commonplace that if women were already having terminations, they might as well have them at home rather than abroad. Irish people had become more pragmatic and less theocratic in the way they viewed the question.Yes campaigners reported that the view was commonplace that if women were already having terminations, they might as well have them at home rather than abroad. Irish people had become more pragmatic and less theocratic in the way they viewed the question.
Finally, there was the strategic ineptitude of the no camp. Aside from accusations that anti-abortion campaigners were being financed by the American Christian right, there was undoubtedly evidence that they had tried to adopt the electoral tactics of US conservatism, appearing to believe that if the Irish Catholic conservative heartlands could be equally fired up to vote in large numbers, the anti-abortion coalition would have enough to just marginally win.Finally, there was the strategic ineptitude of the no camp. Aside from accusations that anti-abortion campaigners were being financed by the American Christian right, there was undoubtedly evidence that they had tried to adopt the electoral tactics of US conservatism, appearing to believe that if the Irish Catholic conservative heartlands could be equally fired up to vote in large numbers, the anti-abortion coalition would have enough to just marginally win.
What they appear to have overlooked is that this base is much thinner and less ideologically inclined than the bible-belt millions of the American south and mid-west. The Irish version is an ageing, declining population.What they appear to have overlooked is that this base is much thinner and less ideologically inclined than the bible-belt millions of the American south and mid-west. The Irish version is an ageing, declining population.
Seismic, stunning, emphatic and overwhelming are some of the words being used to describe the projected result in Ireland’s abortion referendum on removing a 35-year-old ban from the constitution.With two exit polls from the Irish Times and RTÉ showing about 70% of the country voted yes, the anticipated referendum outcome seems indicative of profound underlying change in Irish society that was taking root long before campaigning started eight weeks ago.Seismic, stunning, emphatic and overwhelming are some of the words being used to describe the projected result in Ireland’s abortion referendum on removing a 35-year-old ban from the constitution.With two exit polls from the Irish Times and RTÉ showing about 70% of the country voted yes, the anticipated referendum outcome seems indicative of profound underlying change in Irish society that was taking root long before campaigning started eight weeks ago.
Fresh details on the RTE exit poll showed the only group voting to save the eighth amendment were the over-65s. Farmers and rural voters, traditionally considered more conservative, all voted yes.Fresh details on the RTE exit poll showed the only group voting to save the eighth amendment were the over-65s. Farmers and rural voters, traditionally considered more conservative, all voted yes.
RTE abortion exit poll - more detailed just released.Only age group to vote no were over 65s. Farmers voted yes as did rural. Over 65s: 41.3% ABC1 class 76.7. yesRural 63.1%Farmers 52.15% yes - Dublin 70%Fine Gael - 74.9%Fianna Fail 49.7% yesRTE abortion exit poll - more detailed just released.Only age group to vote no were over 65s. Farmers voted yes as did rural. Over 65s: 41.3% ABC1 class 76.7. yesRural 63.1%Farmers 52.15% yes - Dublin 70%Fine Gael - 74.9%Fianna Fail 49.7% yes
The leaders of the main political parties supported a yes vote – but not all of them have their party members behind them, writes Sinéad Baker.The leaders of the main political parties supported a yes vote – but not all of them have their party members behind them, writes Sinéad Baker.
As taoiseach and the leader of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar campaigned vocally for repeal, describing abortion in Ireland as “unsafe, unregulated and unlawful”. He has the support of most of his party’s TDs. All Labour’s TDs supported yes, as did Sinn Féin’s, in line with the parties’ official lines.As taoiseach and the leader of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar campaigned vocally for repeal, describing abortion in Ireland as “unsafe, unregulated and unlawful”. He has the support of most of his party’s TDs. All Labour’s TDs supported yes, as did Sinn Féin’s, in line with the parties’ official lines.
The repeal campaign was bolstered when the leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, came out in favour of yes. The surprise announcement was seen as evidence that a fundamental shift had taken place in Ireland, with Martin saying the eighth amendment “has been shown to cause real damage to Irish women”.The repeal campaign was bolstered when the leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, came out in favour of yes. The surprise announcement was seen as evidence that a fundamental shift had taken place in Ireland, with Martin saying the eighth amendment “has been shown to cause real damage to Irish women”.
But the majority of his party’s elected representatives advocated for a no vote.But the majority of his party’s elected representatives advocated for a no vote.
Such a high level of political support for a change to the constitution would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. But it did allow the no campaign to present itself as having something of an anti-establishment position – despite strong support from many politicians and the Catholic church.Such a high level of political support for a change to the constitution would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. But it did allow the no campaign to present itself as having something of an anti-establishment position – despite strong support from many politicians and the Catholic church.
Reaction, too, from Amanda Mellet, one of three Irish women who successfully persuaded the UN to denounce Ireland’s abortion ban as “cruel and inhumane”, who says the expected yes vote will represent “real closure”.Reaction, too, from Amanda Mellet, one of three Irish women who successfully persuaded the UN to denounce Ireland’s abortion ban as “cruel and inhumane”, who says the expected yes vote will represent “real closure”.
Mellet and her husband, James, took a case in 2013 against the Irish government to the UN’s human rights committee after the couple were forced to obtain a termination for her pregnancy in England.Mellet and her husband, James, took a case in 2013 against the Irish government to the UN’s human rights committee after the couple were forced to obtain a termination for her pregnancy in England.
Had she remained in the Irish Republic, she would have been forced to give birth to a baby who would be born dead, as she was suffering from a fatal foetal abnormality in pregnancy. She also became the first woman in Ireland to receive financial compensation from the Irish state. Speaking from Kilkenny, Mellet said:Had she remained in the Irish Republic, she would have been forced to give birth to a baby who would be born dead, as she was suffering from a fatal foetal abnormality in pregnancy. She also became the first woman in Ireland to receive financial compensation from the Irish state. Speaking from Kilkenny, Mellet said:
Even when we won our case at the UN in June 2016, it never felt like any proper closure for myself or James. We were not even sure back then that the government would even hold a referendum.Even when we won our case at the UN in June 2016, it never felt like any proper closure for myself or James. We were not even sure back then that the government would even hold a referendum.
When James and I voted on Friday morning, it did finally feel like real closure for the both of us. We had campaigned along with so many in the Terminations For Medical Reasons group for change, and now we are, hopefully, going to get it.When James and I voted on Friday morning, it did finally feel like real closure for the both of us. We had campaigned along with so many in the Terminations For Medical Reasons group for change, and now we are, hopefully, going to get it.
Whilst I am superstitious normally, I think that it will be a yes vote and for the first time in a very long time, I feel comfortable here in Ireland. We all put so much energy and emotion into the campaign over the years, but now we can say a chapter in our lives is finally closing … if as it looks it’s going to be yes.”Whilst I am superstitious normally, I think that it will be a yes vote and for the first time in a very long time, I feel comfortable here in Ireland. We all put so much energy and emotion into the campaign over the years, but now we can say a chapter in our lives is finally closing … if as it looks it’s going to be yes.”
What does the eighth amendment actually say – and what would it be replaced by?What does the eighth amendment actually say – and what would it be replaced by?
The eighth amendment was inserted into the Irish constitution after a referendum in 1983. Abortion had been illegal in Ireland since the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, but with many European countries opting to permit terminations on request until 12 weeks or more, campaigners sought the security of a constitutional amendment.The eighth amendment was inserted into the Irish constitution after a referendum in 1983. Abortion had been illegal in Ireland since the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, but with many European countries opting to permit terminations on request until 12 weeks or more, campaigners sought the security of a constitutional amendment.
The amendment states:The amendment states:
The state acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.The state acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.
If the eighth is repealed, the relevant clause of the constitution – 40.3.3 – will be replaced by the phrase:If the eighth is repealed, the relevant clause of the constitution – 40.3.3 – will be replaced by the phrase:
Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.
Reactions to the exit polls – which forecast a far wider margin of victory for the yes vote that was widely expected – have been coming in thick and fast, starting late last night.Reactions to the exit polls – which forecast a far wider margin of victory for the yes vote that was widely expected – have been coming in thick and fast, starting late last night.
Here’s the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar:Here’s the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar:
Thank you to everyone who voted today. Democracy in action. It’s looking like we will make history tomorrow.... #Together4YesThank you to everyone who voted today. Democracy in action. It’s looking like we will make history tomorrow.... #Together4Yes
And the health minister, Simon Harris:And the health minister, Simon Harris:
😀 will sleep tonight in the hope of waking up to a country that is more compassionate, more caring and more respectful. It has been an honour to be on this journey with you and to work #togetherforyes . See you all tomorrow!😀 will sleep tonight in the hope of waking up to a country that is more compassionate, more caring and more respectful. It has been an honour to be on this journey with you and to work #togetherforyes . See you all tomorrow!
And the leader of the no campaign, John McGuirk:And the leader of the no campaign, John McGuirk:
The 8th did not create an unborn child's right to life - it merely acknowledged it. The right exists, independent of what a majority says. That said, with a result of that magnitude, clearly there was very little to be done. Thank you to every NO voter and campaigner. #8threfThe 8th did not create an unborn child's right to life - it merely acknowledged it. The right exists, independent of what a majority says. That said, with a result of that magnitude, clearly there was very little to be done. Thank you to every NO voter and campaigner. #8thref
And the actor and comedian Aisling Bea, a leading light in the yes campaign:And the actor and comedian Aisling Bea, a leading light in the yes campaign:
pic.twitter.com/B1TqoxNU3Bpic.twitter.com/B1TqoxNU3B
Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage on what looks set to be a historic day for Ireland as votes are counted in its abortion referendum.Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage on what looks set to be a historic day for Ireland as votes are counted in its abortion referendum.
Last night’s shock exit polls suggested a landslide vote for change, with an overwhelming majority of voters backing the repeal of a 1983 constitutional amendment that has led to one of the strictest abortion regimes in the world.Last night’s shock exit polls suggested a landslide vote for change, with an overwhelming majority of voters backing the repeal of a 1983 constitutional amendment that has led to one of the strictest abortion regimes in the world.
An Irish Times/Ipsos poll forecast a margin of 68% to 32% in favour of repealing the eighth amendment, while a poll for the national broadcaster RTÉ predicted an even bigger margin of 69.4% to 30.6%.An Irish Times/Ipsos poll forecast a margin of 68% to 32% in favour of repealing the eighth amendment, while a poll for the national broadcaster RTÉ predicted an even bigger margin of 69.4% to 30.6%.
Turnout was on course to be one of the highest for a referendum in Ireland, possibly topping the 61% who voted in the plebiscite that backed same-sex marriage in 2015.Turnout was on course to be one of the highest for a referendum in Ireland, possibly topping the 61% who voted in the plebiscite that backed same-sex marriage in 2015.
Acknowledging an equal right to life for both the unborn child and the mother, the eighth amendment effectively prohibited termination in almost all cases, including rape, incest or fatal foetal abnormality.Acknowledging an equal right to life for both the unborn child and the mother, the eighth amendment effectively prohibited termination in almost all cases, including rape, incest or fatal foetal abnormality.
Abortion when a mother’s life is at risk has been permitted since 2013, but in all other circumstances, doctors performing unlawful abortions face up to 14 years in prison.Abortion when a mother’s life is at risk has been permitted since 2013, but in all other circumstances, doctors performing unlawful abortions face up to 14 years in prison.
As a result, about 3,500 Irish women have travelled abroad, mostly to the UK, each year to terminate their pregnancies, and an estimated 2,000 more buy abortion pills online, administering them at home without medical supervision.As a result, about 3,500 Irish women have travelled abroad, mostly to the UK, each year to terminate their pregnancies, and an estimated 2,000 more buy abortion pills online, administering them at home without medical supervision.
If the exit polls prove accurate and the eighth amendment is repealed, the government plans to table a new law allowing abortion on request during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Terminations will be permitted up to 24 weeks if the woman’s health is threatened.If the exit polls prove accurate and the eighth amendment is repealed, the government plans to table a new law allowing abortion on request during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Terminations will be permitted up to 24 weeks if the woman’s health is threatened.
We will be bringing you live reports, analysis and reaction through the day until the result is confirmed (it’s expected some time this afternoon), including from our reporters @lisaocarroll ‏ @_EmmaGH @sineadbaker1 and @henrymcdonald.We will be bringing you live reports, analysis and reaction through the day until the result is confirmed (it’s expected some time this afternoon), including from our reporters @lisaocarroll ‏ @_EmmaGH @sineadbaker1 and @henrymcdonald.