Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores the role of feminist legal ambivalence in Irish abortion activism, arguing for its continued relevance after the repeal of the Eighth Amendment. Legal ambivalence, which involves a combination of skepticism and engagement with the law, has long been a feature of feminist theory due to the law's role in maintaining patriarchal norms. In the context of Irish abortion advocacy, this ambivalence has provided strategic advantages. Early resistance from the Irish Church and State led activists to approach legal reforms with caution, fostering a productive ambivalence that facilitated actions such as accessing abortions abroad and employing art-based protests. The article outlines how this nuanced stance toward the law evolved over time, benefiting feminist and reproductive rights activism. It argues that Irish abortion advocates should capitalize on this history by advocating for the full decriminalization of abortion. This strategy, the article suggests, carries symbolic power, has been proven advantageous in other countries, and is both pragmatic and feasible in Ireland. Ultimately, the article calls for a continued embrace of legal ambivalence as a tool to challenge restrictive laws and advance reproductive freedom.

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