Citizens of democracies must avoid complacency in the defense of human rights
The bill about the 8th amend voted in Ireland reminded us all how crucial it is for citizens of democracies to avoid complacency in the defense of human rights, particularly the rights of those in greatest peril. They also are a reminder that every generation faces challenges to the dignity of life—and those threats are often tragically familiar to us .
The unexpected landslide vote on May 25 repealed the Republic of Ireland’s Eighth Amendment, which guaranteed the right to life of unborn children. By a margin of 2-to-1, one of the few societies left in Europe that prohibited abortion on demand , together with Poland and Malta that also prohibit abortion on demand, voted to allow it on almost exactly the same terms as everyone else.
On abortion, Ireland seemed to have succeeded where almost every other modern democracy has failed. The European neighbors have long allowed abortion early in a pregnancy but also have strong maternal safety nets. Ireland created a modern state that both prohibited abortion in almost all circumstances and aimed to provide the best care for women before and after childbirth. No more.
To defend our prosperity, to defend ways of life we reflexively consider advance, we seem to ignore the true and fundamental rights we must protect
Resource:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/19/opinion/sunday/ireland-abortion-amendment.html
