The final weekend of campaigning ahead of the Eighth Amendment referendum is under way, with both sides canvassing and holding events across the country.
In Dublin, 'Yes' and 'No' campaigners are holding separate events today as they work to drum up support before Friday's poll.
On the 'Yes' side, a number of senior obstetricians - including the Master of the National Maternity Hospital Rhona Mahony - are canvassing rugby fans attending today's Leinster-Munster Pro14 semi-final at the RDS.
We’re canvassing the #LEIvMUN match with Ireland’s top obstetricians and everyone wants YES badges! #yourYESmatters pic.twitter.com/AKrPI6pnE7
— Together for Yes (@Together4yes) May 19, 2018
Together For Yes also announced today that the 'Yes' side now has the backing of more than 1,500 doctors and 1,000 lawyers.
Spokesperson Dr Mark Murphy said: “Doctors want change. We want to provide compassionate care to our patients and support them through crisis pregnancies, but we can’t do that as long as the Eighth Amendment remains in our Constitution.
"It ties our hands and interferes with our ability to care. It’s not good enough for modern Ireland. It’s not good enough for women in Ireland. It’s not good enough for their families. If we want change anything, we have to repeal."
Disability Voices for Life
The Disability Voices for Life group, campaigning for a 'No' vote, claim the proposed legislation if the Eighth Amendment is repealed would be "discriminatory against their community".
Speaking at an event in the capital today, the group says there needs to be more conversation about how legalising abortion will impact on people with disabilities.
#DisabilityVoicesforLife held a press conference today calling for a NO vote on MAY 25th. #AbortionDiscriminates against children with #disability 90% of unborn children with DS alone are aborted in the UK#Savethe8th #votenotoabortion #jointherebellion pic.twitter.com/rHOkr6qwTI
— Savethe8th (@Savethe8thInfo) May 19, 2018
In January, Down’s Syndrome Ireland asked both sides not to use children or adults with the condition to promote their campaign’s views
Chairperson of Disability Voices for Life Michael O’Dowd, however, doesn’t agree with that stance.
He said: "That statement doesn't represent the views of all the members of Down Syndrome Ireland - there's a variety of views in there.
"But certainly our view is that specifically the Government proposal for unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks will facilitate the targetting of unborn children with Down Syndrome - and that's something that we're very concerned about."
Canvassing
Meanwhile, canvassers on both sides are taking to towns and villages across the country this weekend as the campaign enters its final days.
Our last Saturday before the referendum, and what a day 😎 The SW crew are by Fitzwilliam Place in Wicklow Town, with badges, balloons and big smiles for yes! We've some Repeal jumpers and T4Y tshirts for sale - so come down, show support, and say #together4yes @Together4yes pic.twitter.com/RGLK9Omzky
— South Wicklow Together for Yes (@SWtogether4YES) May 19, 2018
Getting set up in #Mitchelstown this morning to reach out to #Saturday shoppers with the real facts about #8thRef! Fair play! ðŸ‘
John Mandeville would be proud! #Savethe8th #votenotoabortion #jointherebellion pic.twitter.com/gpGIj4dY68— Savethe8th (@Savethe8thInfo) May 19, 2018
Big crowd at our campaign rally in Balbriggan earlier! We're off canvassing now, get in touch at Fingaltogetherforyes@gmail.com if you'd like to join us :) #Together4Yes #FingalTogether4Yes pic.twitter.com/PhemI9TNYO
— Fingal Together for Yes (@FingalT4Y) May 19, 2018
Our tremendous volunteers have just set up at the #GPO if you are around town pop over and say Hello and get yourself a NO badge #savethe8th #votenotoabortion #jointherebellion pic.twitter.com/dg45vCuNMP
— Savethe8th (@Savethe8thInfo) May 19, 2018
