Multifaceted Oppression: Women's Mobilization for Abortion in Ireland

Abstract: As a society in the modern era, the Republic of Ireland has had a quick succession of struggles and change following the country’s liberation from English imperial rule in 1922. The role of Catholicism in “The Troubles” and people’s identification in the Republic of Ireland influenced the social viewpoints of the public in regards to many topics including Women’s Rights. The complex intersection between sectarian struggles and national identity are reflected by women’s access to abortion from the beginning of the Republic of Ireland’s statehood and later on into the 21st century. This history displays a complex and exemplary mobilization of citizens to further the rights of future generations.

Poster Description: This poster will present the history of access to abortion in Ireland through the use of a timeline and descriptions of important points in Irish national history and its influence on people’s rights in the state. Additionally, the role of Catholicism and its influence on law during the 20th century will be emphasized via the presentation of primary documents and imagery. As the timeline moves into the 21st century, a post-Troubles Ireland will be presented through the change in public attitudes towards abortion and how this new outlook was voiced by the people through mobilization, particularly after the death of Savita and how her death propelled the movement for abortion rights as seen through the “Together for Yes” campaigns. Specifically, imagery of these public and widespread protests to “Repeal the 8th”, in regard to the 8th amendment in the Irish constitution criminalizing abortion, will demonstrate the diversity of those in support of the right to abortion for women in Ireland. By presenting this history of abortion access in Ireland, a greater understanding on the complex role of nationality’s ties with religion and its influence on policy in a post-colonial Ireland can be better understood.