On 21 November, up to 30 MEPs from four political groups and many different countries held a protest in front of the European Parliament to demand abortion legislation in Ireland.
The protest is one of many which took place around the world on Wednesday, along with one at the Dail at 6pm.
Speaking after the protest Paul Murphy MEP commented:
“This protest in front of the Parliament is but one of tens of protests happening around the world today. MEPs have added their voice, with this protest and the protest letter (below), to that of tens of thousands of Irish people demanding immediate action now to introduce abortion legislation in Ireland. Protests at embassies in New York, Seoul, Hong Kong, London, Brussels and many others will take place tonight, together with a demonstration at the Dail at 6pm.”
“The government should heed this call and stop prevaricating. Legislation is needed now to go as far as is possible under the terms of the eighth amendment and the X case. This should be a step towards the establishment of the right to access abortion through the public health service for all women who require it. An independent and public inquiry should be commenced immediately to investigate the circumstances of Savita’s death.”
Since the news broke of Savita’s death, protests have already been held across Ireland, with 20,000 people demonstrating in Dublin last Saturday. This must be the beginning of a broad campaign which will mobilise on the streets to force the government to introduce abortion legislation in Ireland.
