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Thousands march for "realistic abortion access in Ireland"

The march was organised by the Abortion Rights Campaign.

March for Choice
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    Source: Leah Farrell/ Photocall Ireland
  • March for Choice

    Source: Leah Farrell/ Photocall Ireland
  • March for Choice

    Source: Leah Farrell/ Photocall Ireland
  • March for Choice

    Source: Leah Farrell/ Photocall Ireland
  • March for Choice

    Source: Leah Farrell/ Photocall Ireland
  • March for Choice

    Source: Leah Farrell/ Photocall Ireland

(Pics: Shane Felle Photography and Photocall Ireland)

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE marched in Dublin today calling for “real and realistic abortion access in Ireland”.

The protest was organised by the Abortion Rights Campaign and attended by a range of local groups, unions, migrant groups, and political representatives.

Gardaí estimated that 2,500 people turned out to the protest, which ran from the Garden of Remembrance to FilmBase in Temple Bar.

“It has always been clear to us that this Government drafted legislation that does not actually provide new care or legislate meaningfully for X,” ARC spokesperson Justine Murphy said , “and with each mistake, delay tactic and dismissive statement the people in Ireland are growing tired of waiting.”

What we want is simple: real and realistic abortion access in Ireland. And we will work and march until we have it.

Protesters had been asked to bring suitcases to “symbolise the thousands of women forced to leave Ireland for abortions each year”.

In a statement, the Pro-Life Campaign claimed that “the hurt and heartbreak of abortion for many women has to be challenged”.

In an opinion piece published on TheJournal.ie this morning, chief executive of the Irish Family Planning Association Niall Behan said women who are pregnant and seeking asylum in Ireland find themselves “at the intersection of two state systems that deny them basic human dignity: the direct provision system and the law on abortion”.

Without specifically mentioning the recent controversial Miss Y case, where a young asylum seeker had a Caesarean section under the new law after seeking an abortion, Behan said the Irish Constitution needs to be changed to repeal two articles to clarify the situation for women and girls seeking abortions.

Read: IFPA says the State is to blame for cases like Miss Y >

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    Mute Tommy Harper
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    Dec 28th 2012, 8:49 AM

    Nearly 2 months off them, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made:-)
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    Nov 25th 2013, 10:09 AM

    Good man, off them since may myself :)

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    Dec 28th 2012, 7:51 AM

    He wasn’t all bad so!

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    Mute Barry
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    Dec 28th 2012, 8:44 AM

    So in relation to being against smoking he was ahead of his time,

    Like it or not guys smokings days are numbered, its going to become a bigger factor in alot of things….including applying for a job,

    Why would an employer want to employe anyone who willingly makes them sick more often then a non-smoker, statistically takes more breaks and constantly smells of smoke.

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    Mute gerard carey
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    Dec 28th 2012, 7:58 AM

    He didnt want his $700 shirts smelling of cigarette smoke. tighten your belts my arse. Not for him .

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    Mute Grouchy Marks
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    Dec 28th 2013, 1:32 AM

    Fair play to Fianna Fail they got it spot on on smoking, Micheál Martin deserves praise on this too for the smoking ban. It is a pity for all of us that the same is not true for their handling of the economy and their descent into cronyism for which our children’s children will pay.

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