OurFuture.ie is an online resource for younger voters that tackles the key talking points of the upcoming referendum. We provide a young, secular, and powerful voice for keeping the 8th Amendment.
Their campaign begins with a clear message — “Don’t Vote Blind” — a call to action for younger voters to learn more about the issues we’re being asked to vote on this May. Over the coming weeks, we are going to bring this message to voters throughout the country.
Commenting, Katie Ascough said:
“It’s so important that we reach out to the middle ground and engage with undecided voters. A lot of voters are still unsure about the issue that we will be voting on in just a few weeks’ time.
The aim of OurFuture.ie is to present a case for keeping the 8th Amendment in a concise, fact-based way. Then we leave it to the people to make up their own minds on the issue.
We’ve found that when presented with the realities of repeal and when the soundbites of the “Yes” campaign are challenged, people are really concerned about exactly what the introduction of abortion into Ireland would mean.”
Our Future’s Gavin Boyne added:
“There’s a lot of animosity on both sides of this polarising issue, making factual and rational discussion rare and difficult.
We’ve found that the majority of younger voters have been left in the dark about what the 8th Amendment is and what it means. Yet, we are being asked to repeal it?”
Our spokesperson Gavin Boyne has his own personal story about the 8th Amendment. At age 15, his mother became pregnant after a one-night-stand, and his grandparents sent his mother to Britain to have an abortion. In the time it took to make the arrangements, Gavin’s family realised they could not deny the humanity of their unborn son and grandson. Without the time afforded to Gavin’s family by the 8th Amendment, Gavin would not be here today.
The Irish Government plans to introduce a law facilitating abortion on request along the lines of British law, if the 8th Amendment is repealed. This has led to an abortion culture in Britain where 1 baby is aborted for every 4 babies that are born, and where 9 in 10 pregnancies with a Down Syndrome diagnosis are terminated. These are facts that young people deserve to hear before they vote in May.
You can find out more about the website on OurFuture.ie