Some Very High-Profile Names Spoke Out In Support Of @TwoWomenTravel This Weekend

The #repealthe8th campaign got a wealth of international press coverage this weekend, after one Irish women and a friend live-tweeted their journey to the UK for an abortion.

The women’s journey began around 4.30am on Saturday morning, when they left their home for a 6.30am flight from Dublin airport. The procurement of an illegal abortion carries with it a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years, so as a result around 10 women each day – a very conservative estimate based on those who do list an Irish address when presenting at a clinic overseas – are thought to travel from Ireland to the United Kingdom or elsewhere in Europe to obtain one.

Friend is out & safe. Procedure was quick & staff very warm. Our love to you all. @EndaKennyTD failed us. You did not. #twowomentravel

— Two Women Travel (@TwoWomenTravel) August 20, 2016

Each tweet sent from the @twowomentravel account included the Twitter handle of Taoiseach Enda Kenny, and though there has been no response from the Office of the Taoiseach as yet, the Twitter account did receive support from various other high-profile faces.

Among them was UK comedian James Corden, who was one of the first to tweet about the women’s journey:

Today, @TwoWomenTravel but you’re not on your own in this. So many people are with you. X

— James Corden (@JKCorden) August 20, 2016

There were a significant number of negative comments posted too, but for the most part the women received an immense amount of positive support:

@TwoWomenTravel @EndaKennyTD so sorry you have to go through this ordeal. I hope your journey home isn’t arduous. Giant hugs to you both xxx

— Marian Keyes (@MarianKeyes) August 20, 2016

Powerful & brave. I’m in awe of the @TwoWomenTravel twitter feed & great to see the tweets of support today. #twowomentravel#repealthe8th

— Síle Seoige (@SileSeoige) August 20, 2016

Solidarity with @TwoWomenTravel and the roughly 12 women who travel to UK every day, 5000 every year. #repealthe8th #twowomentravel

— Lisa Hannigan (@LisaHannigan) August 20, 2016

I think those abusing #twowomentravel are upset because it breaks the Irish tradition of “Do it but for God sake don’t let the parish know”

— Jim Sheridan (@Jim_Sheridan) August 20, 2016

Are u following @TwoWomenTravel today? Unbelievably moving and powerful

— Brendan Courtney (@BrendanCourtney) August 20, 2016

Good women. Strong women. Not criminals. Thank you @TwoWomenTravel @caitlinmoran @indiaknight @salihughes https://t.co/OwWtxUHiik

— Roisin Ingle (@roisiningle) August 20, 2016

Perhaps the most notable message from the current Minister for Health Simon Harris, a Fine Gael representative who thanked the women for highlighting the lengths they had to go to:

Thanks to @TwoWomenTravel for telling story of reality which faces many. Citizens Assembly – a forum to discuss 8th & make recommendations

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 21, 2016

The women rounded off their 48-hour journey last night with a final message of thanks.

#twowomentravel @EndaKennyTD pic.twitter.com/yAVtg4w3DV

— Two Women Travel (@TwoWomenTravel) August 21, 2016

• #repealthe8th
• #twowomentravel
• abortion
• enda kenny
• repeal the eight