The 8th Amendment means that abortion is illegal in Ireland even where the pregnancy places a woman’s health at serious risk, in cases of rape or incest, or where the foetus is likely to die before or shortly after birth.

The referendum will ask us if we want to remove the 8th Amendment from the Constitution by approving the 36th Amendment.

If we vote Yes, we will be able to change our laws so that we can provide care in Ireland for women in Ireland.

If we vote no, the harmful impact of the 8th Amendment will continue and put women’s lives and health at risk.

The 8th Amendment had a direct impact on women’s health and lives. It was a contributing factor in the death of Savita Halappanavar who died in hospital in 2012.

Regulated abortion available up until 12 weeks will provide for necessary and compassionate care for a woman who has a crisis pregnancy, such as a woman made pregnant as the result of rape.

Accessing to abortion pills from online providers is increasing rapidly. This is a public health issue that we cannot ignore.

When carried out under adequate medical supervision, an abortion is very safe and safer than childbirth. The earlier the abortion happens, the safer it is.

There is no evidence that an abortion harms a woman’s mental health.

Doctors in Ireland every day fight to preserve life, including foetal life, but the problem with the 8th is that it gets the balance completely wrong. If a medical problem develops during pregnancy a doctor cannot act to protect the health and wellbeing of the pregnant woman unless her life is at real and substantial risk.

No. Up to 12 weeks the proposed Irish law will be different to British law as it does not require a particular indication for an abortion. Contrary to British law, Irish law will also require people to wait for 72 hours  before having an abortion in the first 12 weeks.

No. The government’s proposals indicate very clear limits: abortion will not be permitted once foetal viability is reached. Providing an abortion once a foetus is viable will be a crime.

Disability will not be a ground for abortion. Voting Yes will not change the current situation.

Currently if a woman pregnant from rape or incest decides to have an abortion, she must travel to the UK or Europe to access abortion services.

At present, if a woman or couple decide to end a pregnancy before term because of a diagnosis of a fatal condition, they must travel to the UK or Europe to access abortion services.

At the moment no. If a medical problem develops during pregnancy, a doctor has to put the well-being of the foetus before the health and well-being of the pregnant woman.

Yes, the Irish Constitution allows women to access abortion in other countries. Nine people a day travel from Ireland to the UK for an abortion. Other women order abortion pills online and take them without advice or support  from their doctor.

If a woman decides to have an abortion, she currently can only access care if she can find the money for travel and for treatment, and if she has suitable documents to get in and out of the country. She also needs to be physically well enough to make the journey.

Currently the Eighth Amendment means that a woman has limited rights to agree to or refuse an examination or medical treatment during pregnancy. This creates difficulties for doctors.

This referendum is not about whether we want abortion in Ireland. It is already a reality here. It is about regulating abortion, making it safe and care for women who need it.

The referendum will take place on Friday, 25^th May. The polling stations will be open from 7 am to 10 pm. You do not need your polling card to vote. You must bring a valid form of personal identification, such as a passport or driving licence, with you when you go to vote.