Life Is Beautiful

Rachel stood by the bathroom sink, her hands shaking. Her eyes were fixed upon a small, square window on a little stick-like object in her hand. Specifically, Rachel’s eyes were fixed upon a very definite cross that had just appeared there. It meant only one thing: Pregnant! For more minutes than she could remember, Rachel stood there, hopelessly trying to find ways to deny the reality that was beginning to assert itself to her like an unstoppable tide. Instantly, her life changed. Her carefree future evaporated. A weight settled upon her heart and she reached out and turned on the shower. Soon, a hot stream of water was rushing past her ears. Maybe if she stayed in there long enough, it would all go away! Peter woke to the usual sound of his phone alarm blaring out his favourite dance track. He waited a few moments before jumping out of bed and stretched his arms and legs. The college student switched on his music player, plugged in some earphones and began his morning workout on th...

The 8th amendment acknowledges the right to life of the unborn, with a guarantee to legally respect, vindicate and defend that right, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother. In the upcoming referendum we will be asked if we want this protection to be removed from the unborn, with an empowerment of TDs and senators to freely legislate for abortions. Some things to think about before voting… Choice When it comes to abortion, a right to choose is often raised. We make choices every day, some trivial, some more important – but choices are not necessarily rights. That is why we have laws. We could choose to steal a car or to punch someone at random, but there are rights in place that supersede these choices – in these instances, the other person’s right to not be punched or have their car stolen. The right to not be directly killed while growing in the womb is a very basic human right. The term ‘Trust women’ seems to have been decided upon by some who want to repeal the...