Debating Reproductive Rights in Ireland

Human Rights Quarterly, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 78-104, 2005

27 Pages Posted: 16 Mar 2010

See all articles by Siobhan Mullally

Siobhan Mullally

National University of Ireland Galway

Date Written: February 22, 2005

Abstract

Women's reproductive autonomy has gained limited recognition at the international level. This recognition has been difficult to secure and remains contentious. This article examines the struggle for reproductive autonomy within the context of the abortion debate in Ireland, where reproductive rights particularly and women's human rights generally have often been portrayed as hostile to cultural and national sovereignty. The entanglement of religious and nationalist principles with the struggle for reproductive autonomy in Ireland demonstrates the ways in which gender identities and roles are given greater or lesser weight depending on their "fit" with state interests and the ongoing process of nation-building. Lost within these negotiations and compromises is a recognition of the universal legitimacy of women's human rights claims.

Suggested Citation

Mullally, Siobhan, Debating Reproductive Rights in Ireland (February 22, 2005). Human Rights Quarterly, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 78-104, 2005, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1557390 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1557390

Siobhan Mullally (Contact Author)

National University of Ireland Galway ( email )

Galway
Ireland

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
185
Abstract Views
1,294
Rank
294,681
PlumX Metrics