News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Ireland-abortion-referendum-May-2018-main_article_image.jpg
Brian Lawless/PA Wire
World News

Abortion vote a 'reaction' against Ireland's Catholic past, says ex-Presbyterian leader

Very Rev Trevor Morrow, former moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland also said he was "sad but not surprised" by polling data which suggests widespread support for change. It was later confirmed the country had voted decisively to remove a bar in the constitution on abortions.

He told Premier: "The indications were that there was going to be a substantial number of people who would vote for repeal.

"I thought the difference would be probably about ten points but this is almost seismic, an extraordinary result."

Surveys by the national broadcast RTE and the Irish Times suggested 70-per-cent and 68-per-cent of voters respectively back relaxing the nation's relatively strict legislation governing terminations.

The Republic voted overwhelmingly in favour three years ago of legalising same-sex marriage.

Referring to Ireland's strong Catholic history, Very Rev Morrow continued: "You can tell by the response to the gay marriage referendum and again here you see it in this debate on abortion, there is a real strong reaction against what we have inherited from the past."

Creative Commons and PA

A referendum held on Friday effectively asked voters whether to repeal or retain the state constitution's Eight Amendment - legislation which prohibits terminations unless a mother's life is at risk.

The Irish Government had indicated that it would follow any vote in favour of repeal by introducing more liberal abortion laws by the end of the year.

Ministers have pledged to allow women to end a pregnancy within the first twelve weeks, subject to medical advice and a cooling-off period. They also want terminations to be allowed between twelve and 24 weeks in exceptional circumstances.

Very Rev Morrow said he was concerned about ramifications the vote could have for doctors in Ireland who conscientiously object to referring women for an abortion.

He explained: "Many of them are saying they will not refer.

"Now, what position does that put them in legally in the state and in the practise of medicine? That's going to be a very contentious issue, I think."

Listen to Very Rev Trevor Morrow, former moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland speaking with Premier's Alex Williams:

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate