The Republic of Ireland has voted to overturn a ban on abortion with more than two thirds of people backing repeal. Currently abortion is only allowed there when a woman's life is at risk, but not in cases of rape, incest or fatal foetal abnormality. Now the Irish Parliament can legislate for a much more liberal regime. But not everyone is happy about the vote result. Here Father Michael Glover discusses why he found it heartbreaking.

On Friday, May 25, the people of the Republic of Ireland voted in a referendum on whether to repeal, what is known as, the Eighth Amendment.

That is: "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 vindicate that right."

Voters were asked whether or not they approve of the statement: "Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancies".

The addition of this line to the Irish constitution would see the introduction of legislation permitting abortions to be carried out.

When we 'acknowledge the right to life', we say, from the outset, that there is no power that has the authority to grant that right.

Father Michael Glover, Parish Priest for St Mary's Catholic Church, Uttoxeter
Father Michael Glover, Parish Priest for St Mary's Catholic Church, Uttoxeter

It comes from the fact of our existence. As an inalienable right, it transcends politics, sovereignty and individual choice. We can only 'acknowledge' it to be the case.

This new line to be added to the Irish Constitution fundamentally changes the right to life.

Rather than acknowledging the right and upholding it, it opens the path to determining who is granted the right to life and on what grounds.

This is a dangerous policy. Can we really determine who is to have the right to life, and who no longer enjoys this inalienable right?

What is more, is it fair that we experiment this policy on the unborn, the most innocent and voiceless of our society?

This begs the question, where will this policy end? Are there other groups of people, voiceless and innocent, who can lose their right to life?

It can be very easy to talk about these important issues in general terms.

For those who are experiencing difficult circumstances, it can be hard to see a clear path.

Our pro-life stance does not simply make dogmatic statements; we are called to love and, therefore, we reach out to help couples who find themselves with an unwanted pregnancy, offer support to women who have become homeless and suffer through pregnancy, we are welcoming to those who seek healing after having an abortion.

Below there are some links to some organisations that can help.

The Republic of Ireland, heartbreakingly, voted to repeal the Eight Amendment.

Pope Benedict XVI wrote "truth is not determined by a majority vote".

Despite the outcome of the referendum, our pro-life position remains firm and stands out as a light in the darkness of so much death.

As we see how things unfold in Ireland in coming months and week, please know there are more options than abortion.

We can acknowledge with joy, respect and love, every life because every life has a right to live.

https://lifecharity.org.uk

http://www.rachelsvineyard.org.uk

http://www.careconfidential.com/

https://cardinalwinningprolifeinitiative.wordpress.com/about-us/ (Scotland)

http://www.goodcounselnet.co.uk/About-Good-Counsel.html