posals as such, they have not CHILD made arguments for greater availability of legal abortion in Ireland. Sinn Féin has formally stated its opposition, but as yet has done little campaigning. There has been a deafening silence from the trade union movement. Despite changes in attitude towards sexuality and abortion amongst the population, the outcome of this referendum is not a foregone conclusion. Either result will have a profound impact on Irish society. Defeat for the government will mean that no further referendums will be possible and abortion will be legalised for certain circumstances - specifically on grounds of risk of suicide. The pro-choice movement would be hugely strengthened. Victory for the government will be a setback of enormous proportions for the struggle for reproductive rights Ireland. The anti-abortionThere much confusion as to what a remains nowever, ists have served notice that they will try to get the morn'yes' or 'no' vote means including amongst support- ing after pill and IUD outers of the right to choose - lawed. And needless to say some of whom think a 'yes the Irish women who go for vote means more choice. abortions in Britain - and So we are working to win now to Russia where it's over a majority of the unde- cheaper - at a rate of 7 to cided's by explaining the 10,000 a vear, will be further implications of the referen- criminalized and stigmadum, while making it clear tised. And there will be the that should vote 'no'. This is a sunporters of choice ongoing quizzes and other fundrais- litany of pub delicate task, as there are ing that women in working many who would say they class communities organise oppose abortion and do not to send poorer women with support the right to choose, crisis pregnancies - often but would not want to see alone - to Britain for aboranother 'x' case. And while tions. some polls indicate signifi- International support is cant support for increased very important. It will help abortion services in Ireland, show the world the mysoginthis is no guarantee of a ist and reactionary intenmajority 'no' vote. There is tions of the Irish governno suicidal 14 year-old being ment. It helps maintain denied an abortion - as in pressure on Fianna Fáil and 1992 to humanise the the wobbly PDs. While we choice for the voters. are confident of defeating the The Labour Party and the government, we need the solIFPA have recently launched idarity of our comrades, sismass 'no' campaigns, with ters and brothers overseas. poster campaigns and in Letters to the Irish press, to some areas mass leafleting is embassies and concuates. planned. While these cam- and messages of support are paigns have raised clear vital. arguments against the pro17 Grosvenor Place SW1