CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES - ABORTION IN IRELAND

The defence of abortion from individualistic rights-based arguments un derstates social context and ostracises communities that draw on the l anguage of collective responsibilities. In trying to understand restri ctive abortion legislation in Ireland, I argue for a more constructive , less oppositional debate. As the basis for dialogue, I focus on the common ground of women's experiences, their changing social roles and general commitment to nurture others. The defence of abortion from res ponsibility-based arguments reconceptualises abortion from an individu al woman's private dilemma, to a social conflict of care that requires culturally sensitive and morally responsible choices.