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August 21, 2014

Ireland: Thousands Join Pro-Choice Rally After Teenage Rape Victim Forced to Give Birth 
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Thousands rallied in Dublin, Ireland to protest anti-choice laws after a
teenage rape victim was denied an abortion and forced to undergo a
C-section. The woman, who has not been named, said she first sought an
abortion when she was eight weeks pregnant, but the state deliberately
delayed her case. She reported being suicidal, went on a hunger strike
and was ultimately forced to deliver prematurely at 25 weeks. Ireland
softened its ban on abortion last year following the death of Savita
Halappanavar, who died from an infection after being denied an abortion.
While abortion is now allowed if a woman's life is in danger, including
from suicide, critics say the new rules are complex and may be nearly
impossible to navigate.

 

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