No campaigners now say we can deal with the hard cases without repeal, we can decriminalise without repeal, and we can change the Constitution to allow for abortion in cases of rape. Let's be clear: we can't, we can't, we shouldn't, and they would oppose it if we tried. #8thref
Under the 8th abortion is lawful only where there is a real and substantial risk to the life of the pregnant woman. The AG has confirmed this means abortion in cases of FFA is impossible without repeal. Clearly also in re rape. 2 former AGs agree. So do >1000 lawyers for yes.
Changing the constitutional text to allow for abortion in cases of rape is theoretically possible BUT because the state would still have to defend & vindicate the right to life of the unborn the standard in cases of rape would be so high abortion would be inaccessible in practice
We cannot decriminalise abortion for women while the 8th is in place. The AG confirmed this recently. Why? The state must defend and vindicate the right to life of the foetus. The 8th creates a strong, hard obligation for the state that forces its intervention in all pregnancies.
These arguments are being made in bad faith. If we were having referendum on exceptions to the near-absolute ban to allow for abortion in cases of rape or FFA they would still be opposing it. If there were attempts to decriminalise they would fund constitutional challenges to it
They twice tried to remove the suicide ground, opposed information & travel, opposed putting children's rights into the Constitution, and opposed letting children's parents get married. Please don't let them fool you into thinking there is ANY change to the 8th they would support
