The seventh annual March for Choice took place in Dublin today – and in cities around the country as people called for change in the wake of the abortion referendum.
And the turnout was impressive to say the least as the people marched from the Garden of Remembrance to a rally in Merrion Square.
Health Minister Simon Harris, Senator Catherine Noone, Amnesty Ireland Executive Director Colm O’Gorman and Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone were all in attendance, too.
There they are, parading our gorgeous new #freesafelegal banner. ???? The 7th Annual March for Choice has hit the road! #ARCMarch18 pic.twitter.com/PIY5XO6cm3
— Abortion Rights IE (@freesafelegal) September 29, 2018
Crowds. #arcmarch18 https://t.co/YZj3jNarxP pic.twitter.com/F9YPdl6YQ3
— Damian O'Broin (@damianobroin) September 29, 2018
It’s the first march to take place since the Eight Amendment was repealed but the Abortion Rights Campaign pointed out there’s still a lot of work to be done.
In a post on their website they wrote, ‘So we’ve repealed the 8th… but what’s next? Even though the referendum has finally been won (by a huge majority of 66.4%!) nothing practical has changed in Ireland.
‘10 people still travel for abortion care every day, while at least 3 more take pills at home that are safe but still illegal under our laws.’
As well as the impressive turnout, the signs were pretty incredible too:
Unreal poster game. Legends #ARCMarch18 pic.twitter.com/kTO0iNl84Q
— Abortion Rights IE (@freesafelegal) September 29, 2018
So many amazing posters ????#ARCMarch18 pic.twitter.com/j7SfQvwkUn
— Abortion Rights IE (@freesafelegal) September 29, 2018
Spokeswoman for the campaign Sarah Monaghan told the Irish Times, “The march has two purposes. It is a reminder that there is still a lot to be done. Nothing on the ground has changed. We still have 10 women a day travelling for abortion and three a day importing abortion medication online.
“We still don’t have the legislation and this will be a reminder to Government that we are still demanding legislation in line with the changes we voted for, so resoundingly.”
Main image via @freesafelegal
