(pc - wikipedia)
Ireland will head to the polls on May 25th to vote on a contentious referendum to repeal a provision within the Irish Constitution that bans abortion.
If successful the referendum will legalize abortion in the all of following instances
1 - up to 12 weeks in any pregnancy
2 - If the mother is in danger
3 - If the fetus is in danger
4- There is a medical emergency
Ireland's current law bans abortion in any and all instances, with the one exception that allows it to occur if the mother's life is in danger. Ireland currently has the most strict abortion laws in Europe as displayed by this map. Cyprus allows abortion in the instance of rape and Poland allows abortion if the mother's health is in danger. Every other country has legalized the practice along socioeconomic grounds or with little regulation.
(source - eupedia.com)
Polls on the issue cover a wide range, with many voters remaining undecided, however, show a large lead in the favor of abortion legalization. Recent polling has shown 45%-56% of voters support legalization, whereas only 26%-34% are against it. Undecideds form a chunk of 18%-20% of voters, however, unless almost all of them decide to vote against legalization, it is likely the referendum will pass.
(Source Wikipedia)
In terms of party endorsements, both the two largest political parties in Ireland, ruling Fine Gael and opposition Fianna Fail have remained neutral on the issue. Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats, the Labour Party, the Green Party, and many other left-wing parties and organizations have endorsed a yes vote. The only official political party to endorse a no vote is Renua Ireland, a tiny political party with no representation in the national legislature. The Prestybrian Church and many factions within the Catholic Church in Ireland are in favor of a no vote alongside a large group of Pro-life organizations.
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