Ireland Abortion Referendum: Ireland to vote on whether to make abortion legal

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Europe

03:05

Voters in Ireland go to the polls on Friday to decide whether to make abortion legal. The referendum seeks the approval of the Irish people to repeal the Eighth Amendment to the constitution, which since 1983 has imposed some of the world's toughest abortion laws. Our correspondent Richard Bestic is in the Irish capital Dublin sounding out opinions.

Across the Irish Republic banners on both sides of the argument have been battling it out.

RICHARD BESTIC DUBLIN "This referendum is regarded by some as one more step in a fast liberalizing Ireland, a country stepping out from the domination of the Roman Catholic Church. Only three years ago they voted by a referendum to legalize gay marriage. Abortion though, has proved much more divisive."

Yes and No campaign tactics have proved emotive and often controversial. Speaking for the pro-life campaign, Sandra Caulfield's baby was diagnosed with a genetic disorder in the womb. Husband Jonathan at her side, abortion unthinkable; she treasured just nine days of her baby Hope Rose's life.

SANDRA CAULFIELD "Surrounded by love and the peace when Hope Rose left this world in that room was myself, Jonathan Chloe; Eva and Hope Rose. And the peace and love that was in that room, I think it's very important that people hear that."

For those on the other side, an equally heartbreaking tale of a pregnant woman forced to travel to the UK for an abortion after her baby was diagnosed with a fatal fetal condition.

CALLAHAN UPTON "This baby – I can see the heartbeat, but it has no brain and I thought, they have to do something because this is severe. You can't live without your brain."

The 'Yes' and 'No' sides admit Ireland's abortion referendum has been a bruising encounter.

NIAMH UI BHRIAIN ANTI-ABORTION CAMPAIGNER "The 'Yes' campaigners have torn down half the 'No' campaigners posters. How does that help a fair or democratic debate? I mean I'm sure there are plenty of isolated incidents you might be able to point me to, but I don't see that kind of systematic interference."

Door-to-door, the campaign has been ramping up as opinion polls narrow. On one of the great moral issues of the day, however, Ireland's once hugely powerful Church is noticeable by its absence. Just one priest prepared to talk on camera. Father Joe Macdonald concedes the voice of the scandal hit Church could prove unhelpful.

JOE MACDONALD DUBLIN PARISH PRIEST "We have had a pretty serious period of scandal in the Irish Church. I think there's a long way to go before that will be healed."

RICHARD BESTIC DUBLIN This referendum's been bitterly divisive and rather than any joy at the result this weekend there'll be perhaps a just greater knowing of Ireland's future direction. RB CGTN Dublin.