With the 5th March for Choice fast approaching, it’s impossible to ignore the ripples being caused by the abortion debate in the media, the local community and on campus. While the debate has been a very live issue in Irish politics for the last few years, a recent swell in highly visible projects such as the Repeal Project clothing line and Maser’s controversial mural at the Project Arts Centre have escalated the discussion, especially amongst young people. Students may often be criticised for being unengaged, but this is one issue where students are passionate, active and involved. I spoke to two members of the Trinity Students’ Union Repeal the 8th Campaign, Kaliane Farren (European Studies) and Kieran McNulty (TCDSU President), about why they think this is fundamentally a student issue.
Why did you get involved in the campaign?
My getting involved in the campaign was the result of the feminist influence of some now very close female friends, whilst living abroad in Russia. On my return to Ireland, I became disillusioned with the dominance of traditional Catholic values and the subsequent distrust of women and their sexuality in our country. Until women have complete control over their bodies and their reproduction, women cannot be viewed as equals in Irish society. Kaliane
Do you think this is fundamentally a student issue?
Yes, due to its inescapable ageist and classist consequences. The fact that people with wombs have to travel for abortions disproportionately affects students, who are often not financially independent, and may live at home with family who would quickly notice their absence. Trinity, especially, is home to many international students who, along with refugees and asylum seekers, may not be free to travel abroad. Kaliane
The campaign last year had a strong reaction from the student body, and I hope it can do so this year. Organisations such as the Repeal Coalition and ARC are doing sterling work in the wider community, but it’s important that students feel there is a place to go to to support these movements, and to build support for a campaign within our campus. Kieran
TCDSU is mandated to campaign for the repeal of the 8th Amendment specifically. Why this focus?
Our constitution is a strong one, and the courts stick to it rigidly. It’s hugely important to repeal the Eighth Amendment [which guarantees equal rights of protection to the life of the mother and the unborn] because nothing can be done for abortion rights in our laws until it is. I must be clear that our stance and campaign is the mandated one we have, and I’m happy to facilitate a space for students who may feel isolated by this. It’s important to note that our campaigns are separate from the welfare and support work we do. For those who are undecided, we are tailoring our campaign to make sure that we articulate the SU’s stance on the issue clearly and have spaces to ask questions on the subject. Kieran
What progress do you think the campaign has made so far?
We had a great meeting last week and I’m excited to build the campaign further. We have requested as an SU to present to the Citizens’ Convention as well. Kieran
In my opinion, conversations about abortion have become more socially acceptable in the past year, which is hugely positive. This is mainly thanks to brave women sharing their stories, but also to cultural movements like HunReal Issues pushing the issue to the fore. Repeal the 8th is now firmly part of the Zeitgeist, and we need to capitalise on that by encouraging people who would not necessarily have had the impetus to be actively involved before, to become so. Kalianne
How might students get involved?
The TCDSU Committee to Repeal The 8th welcomes everyone with open arms. You can find us on facebook for details of our next meeting. The Union of Students in Ireland is also hosting a get-together in Trinity before the march this Saturday, which would be a great opportunity to meet people involved in the campaign. Kalianne
The March for Choice, organised by Abortion Rights Campaign (ARC) takes place on Saturday 24th September, at 2pm, at the Garden of Remembrance. The Union of Students in Ireland, including a cohort from TCDSU, will be meeting for tea and coffee inside the Front Arch at 12:30pm. All are welcome to join them before the march.
The Facebook group for the TCDSU Repeal the 8th campaign can be found here.
Image courtesy of abortionrightscampaign.ie.
