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Eighth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland

1:51

Ireland's 8th Amendment Referendum Explained

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Ireland Repeals its 8th Amendment

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A Preview of Ireland's Vote on Repealing the 8th Amendment - ENN 2018-05-21

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WATCH: How do you feel about a referendum being held on the Eighth Amendment?

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TheJournal.ie: Renua and the 8th Amendment

The Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Act 1983 amended the Constitution of Ireland by inserting a subsection recognising the equal right to life of the pregnant woman and the unborn. Abortion had been subject to criminal penalty in Ireland since 1861; the amendment ensured that legislation or judicial interpretation would be restricted to allowing abortion in circumstances where the life of a pregnant woman was at risk. It was approved by referendum on 7 September 1983 and signed into law on 7 October 1983.
  • Background 

  • Oireachtas debate 

  • Referendum campaign 

  • Judicial interpretation 

  • Later referendums 

  • Maastricht protocol 

  • Legislation 

  • Campaign to Repeal the Eighth Amendment