The Irish constitution, which was established in 1937 and has remained unchanged for fifty-five years, has successfully endured the test of time. However, due to transformations in Irish society, certain amendments are necessary. Although a significant portion of it continues to be applicable, there exists a disparity between the constitution and contemporary individuals regarding moral values, family arrangements, economic progress, and immigration.
I believe that a constitution derives its power from its ability to change and adapt alongside the country and its citizens. To me, it is like a living document that has evolved beyond its original creators. In terms of the contemporary Irish Family, I strongly believe that the constitution should be revised to reflect the definition of a family based on current societal norms. Presently, the constitution defines a family as one headed by a married couple exclusively. This stance does not support single-parent families and should be altered.
In contemporary Ireland, the composition of families is varied and encompasses a range of individuals such as unmarried mothers and fathers, gay and lesbian parents, grandparents, and other relatives. The 2006 census indicates that one in every eight people resides in a single-parent household. Recognizing these diverse family structures is essential, and it is important to afford them the same rights as traditional families. While adoption limitations exist in Ireland, they primarily stem from procedural concerns rather than insufficient numbers of children available for adoption.
There is a significant number of children in foster care because their mothers are either unwilling or unable to care for them. The current constitution only allows abortion when the mother’s life is at risk. I believe this policy is unfair as it could prevent children who want families and potential adoptive parents from being able to adopt them, all due to the existing constitution. This is another problem that I strongly believe is outdated and requires amendment.
Despite the constitutional limitation to only allow abortion when there is a risk to the mother’s life, I advocate for individual autonomy in deciding about abortion. It is crucial to acknowledge that not everyone comprehends or has encountered the difficulties of an unplanned pregnancy. Several factors may lead someone to choose against having a child, including inability to provide care, being a victim of rape, or facing hereditary illness. Witnessing certain individuals uphold narrow-minded and self-righteous perspectives on this matter is disheartening.
From my perspective, I think that Abortion should be allowed in reasonable early stages and not used as a means of contraception. It is not the government’s responsibility to prevent women from exercising their human rights to make choices that are advantageous for themselves and their future. Taking into account factors like religion and women’s rights, I believe that The Irish constitution is becoming outdated and unsuitable for its original intention. The constitution confirms the state’s obligation to protect “the personal rights of the citizen” and ensure the security of “the life, person, good name, and property rights of every citizen”.
During a period in Ireland’s history when it was governed by individuals with extremely conservative opinions on women’s rights and who blindly followed a religion that does not support women, the text was written. These politicians exhibit thought patterns reminiscent of the medieval era. Consequently, there is a need to rewrite the constitution and for politicians to tackle this issue. Regrettably, addressing past cases from the 1990s has taken quite some time. Currently, the constitution aims to safeguard and support orphans, abandoned children, unmarried mothers, and others facing comparable circumstances.
