Ethics, Law and Pregnancy in Ireland Network (ELPIN)

For more than 30 years, legal and medical responses to pregnancy and childbirth were constrained by the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of Ireland which protected the right to life of the 'unborn' and profoundly limited the pregnant woman’s agency and health. After the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, it is time to re-examine all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth from a position which highlights the importance of agency, autonomy and dignity. 

The Ethics, Law and Pregnancy in Ireland Network (ELPIN) will engage academics across different disciplines, as well as women’s health/reproductive rights advocates and health professionals. Its broad range of participants will best capture the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth and will provide participants with the skills and knowledge to address emerging ethical and legal questions. 

The foundation for ELPIN will be provided through three workshop and a website with resources and 'explainers' for the public.