Ireland is to hold a referendum this year to finalise abortion legislation. The Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution, which bestows equivalent rights on mother and child, could be repealed to authorise abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy. The process is in the pipeline according to Health Minister, Simon Harris, and a draft bill on the referendum will be publicised on 6 March. A second bill has already been prepared in case the Eighth Amendment is rescinded. This will also be unveiled on 6 March. The referendum will then be held on 25 May – the last Friday of the month – to allow students to vote after their exams. This date has yet to be approved.
BBC (20/02/2018); Times (21/02/2018)