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23rd February 2016
01:39pm GMT

The founders. (L-R: Ruth Morrisy, Laura Lovejoy, Paula Cullen, Julie Morrisy)
I spoke to Julie Morrisy, one of the founders of the project about what inspired the group: " Initially, we were greatly inspired by the women who have told their abortion stories in the media. We saw those women as opening up a space for other women to share their abortion experiences.
"We felt that we could similarly contribute in a positive way by showing that women who have abortions are ordinary, responsible members of our communities. They are our daughters, friends, partners, mothers, colleagues and neighbours."
They have released a second group of photographs today, three days before the election, aiming to encourage people to vote for a government that will confront the reality of Irish abortion, and create meaningful steps to make it accessible in this country.
When I asked about the reluctance of many politicians to discuss abortion rights, her answer was definitive:
"The refusal of politicians to discuss abortion rights is quite simply, and ostentatiously, undemocratic where the polls show there is large support for a referendum on the 8th Amendment. The conversation around abortion should be controlled by women, not by politicians. It is damaging to women to ignore their experiences and deem them as invalid."
They are continuing the project, and you can view the beautiful portraits here. "Each woman's personal contribution makes a significant difference to breaking the abortion stigma and inspiring other women to join."
Images courtesy of X-Ile projectExplore more on these topics: