even Fine Gael’s ‘pro-life pledge’, as expressed by the PLC themselves in polling they did on the issue last year, was described as “a clear commitment that women in pregnancy will receive whatever treatments are necessary to safeguard their lives, and the duty of care to preserve the life of the baby will also be upheld” (post here – http://hardcorefornerds.tumblr.com/post/27080103439)
what “duty of care” means is debatable I suppose, but the rest of the statement is clearly within the constitutional (and X) parameters. not really surprising, either, as they have form for phrasing polling questions in the broadest and least controversial way possible to get the best results (cf. polling on medical intervention after Savita).
it’s hard not to see the pro-lifers as nothing but refuseniks – refusing to see political and legal reality as it is, and judging by their supporters on the march on Saturday, refusing to accept abortion in any context.
