Human rights compliant framework for abortion in Ireland : submission to the Citizens' Assembly

Abstract

Since the announcement of the government’s plan to convene a Citizens’ Assembly to examine, among other issues, the Eighth Amendment to Ireland’s Constitution, Bunreacht na hÉireann, Amnesty International Ireland has consistently called on the Government to ensure that human rights be one of the Assembly’s key benchmarks. This submission is intended to provide guidance to the Assembly as to how its conclusions can ensure that women’s and girls’ health and human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled, in line with Ireland’s legal obligations under international human rights treaties it has ratified. This submission outlines Ireland’s international human rights obligations related to women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, including abortion. It discusses the elements of a legal framework for access to abortion and service provision that align with international human rights law and legal standards. It begins with an overview of the basis for State obligations to provide access to abortion services. It then moves to specific legal, policy and regulatory concerns States must consider, as well as some practical concerns for health systems.