The Dilemma of the Undecideds in the abortion referendum

ArthurDayne wrote: »

What an incredible moment it was last night to be having a pint in the Bernard Shaw as the news trickled through of a predicted resounding Yes win, with people gathering at the beautifully simple and poignant Savita mural with flowers, candles and messages of respect. One of those 'moments in time' that I will never forget. That the march of social progress in Ireland over the past number of decades has been supplemented by the Irish peoples' votes and engagement in the referendum process is a remarkable statement of a collective will to make this a more tolerant, caring and rational society --- a society where we at least try to weigh up the torturous difficulties of life, rather than be dictated to by dogmatists who were never any more qualified to make those calls than we were.

The fact that I thought it was going to be really close or perhaps even a 'No' vote is indicative of how fallacious this 'bullying and bias' argument was. I saw plenty of opinion pieces and speeches supportive of a No vote. If there was any apparent bias, it would now seem clear that this was simply due to the fact that the strong majority of Irish people supported Yes. The argument of the No voters was heard loud and clear, and it has been rejected with even greater loudness and clarity.

Nonetheless, I don't think this is a day for waving flags; abortion is an uncomfortable and solemn matter. But I can appreciate that for the young women who were mocked (and I definitely engaged in a bit of this myself I would admit) as the 'blue-haired Repeal jumper-wearing feminazis', there must be a certain sense of vindication and pride. They may have been theatrical at times, but it was the passion of people like these who helped to get the snowball rolling. I also salute those who carried this fight through the years before it became popular -- there is often no greater courage than the courage to risk the censure, derision, and even hatred of your peers. I'm sure today is an emotional one for all of them.

And finally, what a wonderful day for the women of this country. A country which once treated your sexuality as something to be frightened of, and your body as a possession of dogma. A country whose laws would have frightened and confused young girls sitting crying in their bedroom having taken illegal abortion pills. A country which hypocritically allowed those who had the means to seek abortions elsewhere, while those without the means were simply forced to endure. That country has now resoundingly taken control of your bodily integrity out of the hands of the State and passed it back to its rightful owner -- you, and you alone.