- Opinion
- 04 Apr 18
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has handpicked Minister Josepha Madigan as Campaign Co-ordinator for Fine Gael in favour of a Yes vote in the upcoming 8th Amendment referendum.
Announcing the appointment, An Taoiseach said: “On May 25th, Irish people will have the chance to make a positive change to our Constitution; to trust women and trust doctors.
"If the people vote Yes, a safe, regulated, doctor-led system for the termination of pregnancy will be introduced here. There will be restrictions set out in law and we will be guided by best medical practice.
“If we don’t remove the Eighth Amendment from the Constitution, nothing can change for Irish women. Only by securing a Yes vote can we provide women with the care they need here in Ireland, without fear of breaking the law."
Minister Madigan will work with Health Minister Simon Harris, other Fine Gael representatives and with Together for Yes to advocate for a Yes vote and ensure that Irish people have the facts and can make an "informed and compassionate decision" at the end of May.
"I look forward to working closely with Josepha and outlining why I believe now is the time for change," he concluded.
Minister Madigan said she was honoured to take up this role and play her part in bringing about much needed change for Irish women.
She pointed out that at least nine Irish women travel to avail of abortion services abroad every day and this does not include those who are receiving abortion pills in the post they bought online, without any medical support or guidance.
"We can no longer continue to ignore these facts," she said yesterday.
“I will be working closely with Fine Gael colleagues who are advocating for change and I also look forward to working collaboratively with Together for Yes and other civil society groups."
Honoured to be appointed campaign coordinator by @campaignforleo for @FineGael colleagues who want to see #repealth8th #Together4Yes. We are at a pivotal moment in history for Irish women. It is time to be humane & compassionate. Please vote 25th May. pic.twitter.com/z7GaKMIICW
— ⚖️Josepha Madigan (@josephamadigan) April 3, 2018
She added: "This is a women’s healthcare issue. We know that the Eighth Amendment has not prevented abortion in Ireland. We have abortion here, it is just unsafe, unregulated and unlawful.
"We cannot continue with a situation where women in crisis are risking their lives through the use of unregulated medicines. Neither can we continue to force those who have been raped or diagnosed with fatal foetal abnormalities to travel abroad to avail of abortion services.
"It is inhumane to expect women who find themselves in these circumstances to do so."
Delighted that my colleague @josephamadigan will be coordinating the efforts of those of us in @FineGael who are seeking to #repealthe8th. Looking forward to working closely with her. She will bring incredible dedication, skill and compassion to this important issue. Lots to do
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 3, 2018
Advertisement
Proud of your dedication to Irish women, not only as a TD, but award-winning family law solicitor & mediator, you know more about family & female issues than trolls responding so grotesquely @repealeight @repealproject @Together4yes @artistsrepeal8 @LawSocIreland @FineGael https://t.co/WBHCQvZ1aH
— Deirdre Conroy (@DeirdreConroyIE) April 3, 2018