Choice Matters: The Consequences of Abortion Bans
Before Ireland’s historic 2018 referendum that repealed the 8th Amendment, the country maintained some of the world’s most restrictive abortion laws. In a remarkable shift that saw 66% of voters support repeal, women across the island mobilized to reclaim their reproductive rights, challenging deeply entrenched Catholic pro-life values through countless grassroots campaigns. A pivotal force in this transformation was the brave contingent of women who shared their personal experiences on social media, illuminating the devastating impact of the abortion ban. Their stories opened eyes to the complex and often harrowing realities faced by women when reproductive healthcare becomes inaccessible.
Just four years later, women in the United States faced their own watershed moment when the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturned Roe v. Wade, effectively ending federal protection for abortion rights. As reports of medical complications, deaths, and legal prosecutions began emerging across America, I found myself reflecting on those powerful Irish testimonies that had helped change hearts and minds. To my concern, I discovered these crucial narratives were already fading into the depths of the internet, at risk of being lost to time.
My hope is to preserve these vital stories by creating an accessible digital archive that captures both the Irish experience and the ongoing American narrative. By documenting the real-world consequences of restrictive abortion legislation, we can create an essential resource for activists, policymakers, and citizens worldwide. Though time and resources are limited, this archive seeks to ensure that these women’s experiences – their struggles, their courage, and their resilience – continue to inform the global conversation about reproductive rights and women’s liberation. The goal is to prevent future generations from having to relearn these difficult lessons, while supporting ongoing efforts to protect and expand reproductive healthcare access worldwide.
I welcome suggestions and contributions of relevant stories from any country, as this archive aims to serve as a comprehensive testament to the importance of protecting reproductive rights.