Dr. Meabh Ní Bhuinneáin:

The wider interpretation of the question is whether society is different in 2017 from 1983. I believe human rights, autonomy of the woman and her considered right to self-determination is more apparent now than it was in 1983. I was not of age in 1983.

Societal change has happened in many different areas of sexual, reproductive and health issues in the past century. Society has struggled with each development in these areas. They are very emotive and our value system come into play. It is not possible to prevent women from accessing safe abortion services in other jurisdictions. Is it acceptable in our society to know that we are not looking after our women and girls in this country at this time?