An Irish pro-life politician has stepped down from Sinn Féin following its support for abortion, saying she feels she no longer has a place in the party.
Sinn Féin has voted in favour of amending its official policy to support abortion on demand during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. The party also voted against allowing members a free vote on abortion.
In protest against these decisions, Carol Nolan TD resigned, saying: “I feel that as a pro-life republican woman that I no longer have a place in this party, which doesn’t recognise or show genuine respect for the pro-life views of members.”
‘Unethical’
In a statement explaining her resignation, Nolan added: “I feel that it is unethical to force TDs who are strongly opposed to abortion to vote against their conscience.”
“I do not want to have, act or part in bringing about the end to the life of an unborn child, the most vulnerable in our society. It is not for politicians or society in general to decide who lives or dies.”
“I cannot and will not support abortion and for that reason I have made a decision to leave Sinn Féin.”
Eighth Amendment
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald called Nolan’s resignation “disappointing”.
Nolan had represented the party in the Dáil – the Irish Parliament – since 2016, and is expected to remain as an independent.
She had previously been suspended by Sinn Féin for refusing to back a repeal of the pro-life Eighth Amendment.
The country voted last month to repeal the amendment and the Irish Government is now expected to rush through legislation to allow for abortion on demand during the first trimester.