Abstract

Ongoing debate surrounding strict pregnancy termination laws compelled the Irish Government to form a committee to consider the arguments for and against repealing the Eighth Amendment (to end the illegality of terminations) as well as forming recommendations. We evaluated the issues raised and how information was presented – including language used – during the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution meetings by reviewing published transcripts from these meetings, held between September 20, 2017 and December 14, 2017. Throughout proceedings, research evidence was often misrepresented and distorted in order to spin findings in support of members’ arguments. Anecdotal evidence, including emotionally-laden narratives, was used to persuade members with divergent views to change their political and ideological opinions about what is socially desirable and acceptable. When discussing the risk and practical issues of introducing termination of pregnancy, the matter of conscientious objection and maternity hospitals whose governance are influenced by religious ethics were debated, clearly illustrating the influence of cultural and religious ideologies over the health of the population. The framing of the discourse throughout the meetings likely influenced the committee members’ knowledge, perception, and understanding of key issues, consequently impacting the development of the pregnancy termination legislation introduced in 2019.