Abortion and freedom of choice in Ireland

Abortion has been a strong topic for quite a while now in Ireland. It is ilegal, and many women that DECIDE by choice to terminate their pregnancies have to stick with this law or travel abroad where abortion is legal. 

In 1983 the Constitution of Ireland was amended, by referendum, adding this paragraph: 
"The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vidicate that right".

Just nine years after, in 1992, a girl, 14, had to travel to the UK where abortion is legal to terminate an abortion caused by rape. This case definetly caused a lot of controversy in the country. And 4 more referendums took place, to, somehow, ammend the "out of date" law. After it a new paragraph was added to the Constitution of Irleand: "This subsection shall not limit freedom to travel between the State and another state. This subsection shall no limit freedom to obtain or make available, in the State, subject to such conditions as may be laid down by law, information relating to services lawfully available in another state".

This did not solve the problem that a lot of Irish women have to face but at least gave them the "ilusion of choice". And i am writing that between quotes because, yes, because there is NOTHING of choice in this

Today, twenty years after, abortion is back on the front page as the goverment wants to make it legal in the grounds of suicide. This did not solve the problem that a lot of Irish women have to face but at least gave them the "ilusion of choice". 

During the week i was walking down O'Connell street. Just right in front of the GPO there was a group prostesting agains abortion. A man aproached me and, politely asked me to sign a petition to stop abortion. As polite as he was, i said: "Sorry, i am not againts abortion" when suddently he showed me a picture of a dead fetus, trying me make me feel bad for the way i feel. 

Well, first of all, this is not about abortion. It is not about if i want it or not. And i surely do not care if you want it or not. This is 2013, we are living in a country that promotes democracy and democracy promotes FREEDOM OF CHOICE. Why should we have to vote for something that clearly is a personal choice? Who are you to tell me what to do with my life? Who am i to tell you what to do with yours?

DO NOT EVER make me feel bad for what i choose to belive. I respect your belive, even if i am againts it.
DO NOT EVER force your believe to others. You do not know what that 15 years old girl you stop in the street has gone trough in her life. You don not know her life, her family, nothing. 

Fortunely, this is a democratic country, and you have the right to complain and protest to defend what you thing is right for you. But never forget what democracy promotes. RESPECT AND FEEDOM OF CHOICE.