The Eighth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland introduced a ban on abortion by recognising the right to life of an unborn child. This is now under scrutiny, and a campaign is underway to “repeal the 8th.” Foreign money heavily funds this well-organised crusade, and there is pressure being brought to bear on Ireland by international bodies, like the United Nations and Amnesty International. It is important, therefore, that people are informed. Although this book is intended to address the Irish context at a particular time in its history, it will enlighten anybody from any continent who wants to think through these issues that go to the heart of the family.

By implication, we are confronted in these pages with the question ~ “What kind of culture do we want to pass on to our children?” Legally endorsing abortion would have grave consequences for the individual and society. The author addresses the relevant topics in a manner designed to foster ethical discussion in a broader debate. It comes at a crucial time in a nation’s struggle for identity in a world that is beguiled by a culture of death. There is, undoubtedly, much more that can be said on the issue of abortion but this intentionally short book is designed to kick-start conversation rather than be an exhaustive treatise on the topic.