A question of Constitutional rights

Dear Editor, In 2017 or 2018, we can expect to have a referendum on repealing the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution (or the rights of the unborn).

While there is an opinion that abortion is acceptable in exceptional circumstances, the questions foremost in my mind must be the following: Why is it an indictable offence to kill a baby after birth but not so before birth? This requires a simple answer – is the unborn baby a person with full rights under the Constitution?

Another question which remains unanswered – how much suffering does a baby endure during the abortion procedure as a few attempts are sometimes required to have the required result. Some babies have survived the procedure and have come forward as adults to voice their opinions on this serious subject.

Yours etc.,

Breege Murray,

Adare, Co. Limerick