Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.news From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Irish likely to reject switch on abortion Date: Sun, 22 Nov 92 17:26:45 EST Message-ID: \SE A;WORLD \SS (WS) \HD Irish likely to reject switch on abortion \BY REUTERS \DT DUBLIN, Ireland DUBLIN, Ireland (Reuters) - Irish voters are likely to reject a referendum question lifting this predominantly Roman Catholic country's ban on abortion, a poll showed yesterday. In a dramatic switch of voting intentions that could be a major blow for Prime Minister Albert Reynolds, 42 percent told the Irish Times they planned to vote no on Wednesday on permiting abortion in some circumstances. Thirty-three percent are in favor and 25 percent are still undecided. On the same day that they choose a new government in the general election, Irish voters are being asked to decide three primary questions on abortion, which at present is banned under the Irish Republic's constitution. The crucial vote that could now face defeat would allow abortion if the life of the mother is at risk. Voters will also vote on the right of freedom to travel abroad for the operation and access at home to information on overseas abortion facilities. Polls show these two less controversial moves are likely to be solidly supported by voters. Ireland was plunged into a legal morass last March when the Dublin High Court prevented a 14-year-old alleged rape victim from flying to England for an abortion. The decision, which provoked an international uproar, was later overturned by the Supreme Court, which ruled that abortions should be allowed in Ireland in certain limited circumstances. The girl, who eventually had the abortion in England, appeared in court earlier this month for a preliminary hearing to testify against a 43-year-old businessman and family friend. The judge has yet to decide if the case is to go to court. The opinion poll findings were another bitter blow to Mr. Reynolds, who called the snap general election after the Progressive Democrats, junior partners in his coalition, quit the government. Mr. Reynolds has campaigned to win an overall majority for his Fianna Fail (Soldiers of Destiny) Party, but all polls indicate his chances of achieving that are minimal. This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM