A coalition of 50 groups is calling on the next government to hold a referendum on repealing the 8th amendment.

The 'Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment' cites repeated polls, which show the public wants wider access to abortion.

Mandy la Combre from the Mandate trade union says there is a need for a referendum.

While abortion is rarely out of the headlines, it has not been on the ballot paper for almost 33 years.

Now the 'Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment', under which the right to life of a mother and unborn baby are equal, want it out of the Constitution.

UPDATED LIST of the 170 #GE16 candidates who've taken #repealthe8th pledge (as of 16th Feb) https://t.co/vrkNaBoGw1 pic.twitter.com/D5sxmoyxaP

— RepealEight (@repealeight) February 16, 2016

Director of the National Women's Council, Orla O'Connor says it is a red line issue for voters.

The coalition say they are disappointed by a lack of political will so far, despite repeated polls showing public support for abortion in the case of rape, incest and fatal foetal abnormalities.

Spokeswoman Ailbhe Smyth blames politicians.

And chair of Midwives for Choice, Philomena Canning, says the 8th amendment puts women's health at risk.

Clear and concrete plan to #repealthe8th must be included in a programme for government, it's a redline issue! pic.twitter.com/uIu9zl4kaP

— ICCL (@ICCLtweet) February 17, 2016