Dr Gilda Sedgh, the Principal Research Scientist at the Guttmacher Institute in the U.S., noted that by their estimates about 73 percent of abortions globally are obtained by married women. Approximately 69 percent of abortions in the developed world are given to married women.
Dr Sedgh is one of the witnesses who came before the Oireachtas Eighth Amendment Committee today, specifically in regard to the international legality and services context of the Eighth Amendment.
The committee is also hearing from witnesses in regards to medical law and risks related to mental health today.
The committee voted three weeks ago to recommend for the Eighth Amendment to not be kept in full and that a referendum should be held. The final vote had 15 committee members voting for the Eighth Amendment to not be kept in full, with three opposing and two abstentions.
Senator Rónán Mullen (independent), Deputy Mattie McGrath (independent), and Peter Fitzpatrick (Fine Gael) were the three opposing votes. TDs James Browne and Anne Rabbitte, both of Fianna Fáil, abstained from voting.
There was a dispute at the beginning of the proceedings today because 12 letters were sent to the committee. The chair, Senator Catherine Noone, decided not to read out the letters. Senator Rónán Mullen, Deputy Bernard Durkan, and Deputy Mattie McGrath all criticized the fact that the letters were not read out. The letters will be published on the committee’s website.
Dr Sedgh discussed the reasons women in Belgium gave for having an abortion. About a quarter of the women reported that socioeconomic reasons caused them to seek an abortion, and another quarter sought an abortion due to partner-related issues. Dr Sedgh explained further that these issues may be that ‘their partner didn’t want to have a child or their relationship was dissolving.’
She went on to say, “About 18 percent wanted to space their children or postpone having a child, and another 13 percent already had as many children as they wanted or could manage. About one percent said they were having an abortion because of issues related to the health of the foetus. In the other three countries, less than one percent of all abortions were for reasons related to foetal health.”
Dr Sedgh noted that many women in a U.S. survey gave multiple reasons for having an abortion. Some of the more common reasons included financial issues, wanting to space out or delay childbirth, and issues with a partner. Around 30 percent of women cited focusing on the children they already had for why they had an abortion.
Leah Hoctor, the Regional Director for Europe, Center for Reproductive Rights, also spoke to the committee on the international legality and services context of the Eighth Amendment.
The committee is due to hand in a report by Christmas, and Catherine has stated that they are on track to do so.
The referendum on the Eighth Amendment will most likely take place in May or June 2018, according to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
