Right to Life
Information
The Constitution specifically recognises and protects your right to life.
Your right to life also means a right to have nature take its course and to die a natural death. That does not mean that you have a right to have your life terminated or death accelerated. Your right to die is simply a right to die a natural death and not to be kept alive by artificial means.
The right to life of the unborn was inserted into the Constitution by a constitutional amendment in 1983. The equal right to life of the mother is also protected. In 1992, two amendments were added to the Constitution; the right of the mother to travel to another state and freedom of information in relation to services available in another state.
You can view the full text of the Irish Constitution (pdf) here.
Language
Related Documents
- Fundamental Rights under the Irish Constitution
The Irish Constitution recognises and declares that you have certain fundamental personal rights. These rights are natural human rights - they come from being human and are confirmed and protected by the Constitution. - Property Rights
The Irish Constitution declares that you have a right to own property. Explanation of your rights. - Constitution
Bunreacht na hEireann (meaning 'Basic Law of Ireland') is the Irish Constitution. It is the fundamental legal document that sets out how Ireland should be governed and the rights of Irish citizens.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.