Martin defends Ireland’s constitutional ban on abortion

Archbishop Eamon Martin  has intervened in the debate on the possible repeal of the Irish constitution’s pro-life Eighth Amendment, warning Catholic politicians that they “cannot leave their faith at the door” on public policy, writes Sarah Mac Donald.

In his statement for the Church’s Day for Life last Sunday, the Primate of All Ireland said there was no such thing as limited abortion and that to “deliberately and intentionally take the life of an innocent person, whatever their state or stage of life, is always gravely morally wrong”.

He also called on politicians to provide every possible service and support to families faced with severe difficulties and crises in pregnancy, including comprehensive perinatal services in the case of those diagnosed with a life-limiting disability.

The archbishop described the Eighth Amendment as “a declaration of tenderness and love for the equal right to life of both a mother and her unborn child”.

A citizens’ assembly of 100 people chaired by Supreme Court judge, Mary Laffoy, will meet this month to discuss the constitutional ban on abortion and deliver its conclusions next year.