section_path: Political views/Abortion
section_name: Abortion
paragraph_text: Abortion
  
  Prior to the 2010s, Martin opposed the legislation of abortion in Ireland.
  
  In 2017, following discussions by the Citizens' Assembly, it became clear that there would be a referendum on the legality of abortion in Ireland. This prompted all political parties in Ireland to reexamine their positions on abortion in depth. Following internal debates, a majority of Fianna Fáil declared a "pro-life" position. However, Martin "shocked" his party when came out in favour of permitting abortion and later would endorse a Yes vote in the 2018 abortion referendum. Martin stated that his views had evolved after he heard testimony from women speaking about their pregnancies in the Oireachtas and that he had become simultaneously both "pro-life" and "pro-choice";
  
  I think certain groups throughout the years have appropriated the term 'pro-life' to themselves and anyone who doesn't agree with an absolutist position is not pro-life, but I don't accept that. All my instincts are pro-life, and I would argue that changing the law in itself is not going to change the women or doctors of Ireland into abortionists. We must trust women and trust doctors. I don't believe in the two labels: of course you can be pro-life and pro-choice...To try and say that someone who advocates a humane response to very traumatic situations for women is anti-life, or not pro-life, is wrong".
  
  Members of Fianna Fáil were not placed under a party whip on abortion and were free to vote and campaign either for or against abortion based on their personal views. By the time of the referendum itself, a majority of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party supported a No vote.