Abortion Im/mobility: Spatial Consequences in the Republic of Ireland. Issue 1 (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Side, Katherine
• Other Names: Calkin Sydney guest-editor.; de Londras Fiona guest-editor.; Heathcote Gina guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Feminist review. Volume 124:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: abortion -- medication abortion -- reproductive justice -- Republic of Ireland -- spatiality -- im/mobility; Feminism -- Periodicals; 305.4205
• DOI: 10.1177/0141778919894891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-7789

Abstract

In the context of Ireland's new legislation governing abortion, I outline and examine the spatial consequences of political decision-making. I argue that Ireland's new abortion law and its clinical guidance permit travel for some pregnant people but impose fixity on others. I analyse the spatial consequences of legal limitations, including non-medically necessary delays in care and medical control of medication abortions, that necessitate travel for abortion. I demonstrate how current laws fix some pregnant people in place, including diverse migrant populations within Ireland, with no possibilities for abortion-related travel. This critique of the 'new' law demonstrates the Irish state's continued political and medical control of abortion.