Medics and legal professionals are gathering in Dublin this morning to call on the government to repeal the 8th Amendment.

The 'Coalition to Repeal the 8th Amendment' says women's reproductive rights should not be included in the Constitution. 

The 8th amendment, voted into the Constitution in 1983, acknowledges the right to life of the unborn with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother.

Last night, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he would not make steps to hold a referendum on the issue until a clause to replace the 8th Amendment is discussed.

Convener of the Coalition to Repeal the 8th, Ailbhe Smyth says all references to women's reproductive rights need to be removed from the constitution:

Mairead Enright, a spokesperson for Lawyers for Choice, said today's conference will examine the practical applications of repealing the 8th:

The Taoiseach said he would not commit to holding a referendum on repealing the 8th amendment when speaking to reporters yesterday.

He said: “I do not favour abortion on demand and I have no intention of abolishing the 8th Amendment without considering what it might be that might replace it.

“And that means that no more than any other sensitive issue I am willing to listen to anyone who might have contributions to make in that regard.”

“I’m not committing to any referendum."

Dublin City Councillor for Fine Gael Kate O'Connell is attending the Coalition to Repeal the 8th conference today.

She agrees with Enda Kenny's view that a replacement for the 8th Amendment should be carefully considered before any referendum on the issue is called:

The outspoken councillor is calling for a referendum on repealing the 8th Amendment to be held. 

At a Dublin City Council meeting in July she said: "It is my considered opinion that repealing the 8th Amendment is an absolute necessity for the health, the safety and the equality of Irish women.

"Society benefits when women only have the children they want, are able to rear and to rear well."

• Amnesty Internaional says 10 to 12 women travel to England every day for an abortion.
• The current penalty for procuring an abortion in Ireland - without a risk to life of the mother - is 14 years in prison.
• Under new laws, terminations can be carried out if there is substantial risk to the mother's life following the passing of the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013.
• Some 26 abortions were carried out under the Act last year - 14 were due to physical illness and three were due to risk of suicide.