Should nurses perform abortions?

Abortion has returned to the spotlight as the historic referendum to end its ban in Ireland draws nearer. Aired on 27 April, the first television debate saw Dr Peter Boylan, former chair of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists, detail his argument to repeal the eighth amendment to Ireland’s constitution:

‘The reality is that in every country around the world women will seek abortion, no matter what supports are available for them […] So if you are in favour of restricting abortion and not repealing the 8th you’re actually in favour of allowing illegal abortion in this country. So you’re either in favour of legal abortion or illegal abortion.’