The troubled history of the Eighth Amendment

The Irish people are going to the polls today to decide the future of the Eighth Amendment of our Constitution.

The issue has divided Irish society for decades in what has been an often bitter, hostile and aggressive debate.

The ban on abortion was placed in the Constitution in 1983 in a preemptive move to prevent Irish women having abortions. However, it became clear over time the Eighth Amendment did not stop Irish women accessing terminations either by travelling to the UK or taking abortion pills.

Today, the electorate will decide whether Article 40.3.3 should remain part of our Constitution.

Abortion referendum: Turnout hits 70% in some areas as polls close

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Orange Order member goes against institution and calls for Yes vote

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Polls open in referendum on Eighth Amendment

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Why we’re flying home to vote: ‘I want to be proud of my nation’

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In this video documentary, The Irish Times examines the Eighth Amendment's history, its effect and its future.