In a two to one win, a referendum in Ireland on Friday saw the repeal of a long-standing ban on abortion.<\/b>
\nIreland has officially voted to drop its Eight Constitutional Amendment, claiming equal rights to a mother and a fetus, that had previously acted to impose a ban on abortions in the heavily religious nation.
According to the BBC, 66.4 percent voted in favor of dropping the amendment, almost as much as was predicted by a Times\/Ipsos exit poll. An estimated 33.6 percent \u2014 almost two times less \u2014 sought to keep the restrictive and unpopular amendment in place.
In the wake of the \u2018landslide‘ referendum, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who campaigned in favor of repealing the legislation, said it was „a historic day for Ireland,“ and noted that a „quiet revolution“ had taken place.
The referendum result showed that the Irish „trust and respect women to make their own decision and choices,“ he said at an enthusiastic celebratory rally at Dublin Castle Friday.
Varadkar also addressed those who voted to retain the amendment, long seen as a form of repression against women in the country
„I know today is not welcome and you may feel this country has taken the wrong turn, that this country is one you no longer recognize,“ he said.
„I want to reassure you that Ireland today is the same as it was last week, but more tolerant, open and respectful.“
I\u2019m so glad #Ireland overturned the abortion ban. \u2018Cause even when people are pro-life they still deserve access to a safe abortion. And people will find ways to get one anyways.
In the wording of the now repealed Eighth Amendment, women in Ireland could only have an abortion if they could prove to the court or to the medical community that their lives were threatened. In other dire cases, including rape incidents and fetal abnormalities, an abortion was not an option. With the repeal of the amendment, women regain the ability to undergo the procedure up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy, and even further, if certain medical conditions are indicated.
Well voted #Ireland Congrats!!<\/p>\n