Mural of Savita Halappanava by Aches on the side of the Bernard Shaw Pub. Picture by Aches. The referendum to overturn the 8th amendment to the Irish constitution made headlines around the World. Not least because of its eventual landslide win in favour of yes. But also because of the level of conversation and debate it prompted in the country.

Long seen as controversial the amendment was only added to the constitution in 1983. It had the effect that in no circumstances at all could a termination be carried out. This was even if a woman was in serious risk of her own health. It resulted in some of the strictest abortion laws in the world and many thousands of women having to travel abroad. Often heading to the UK, in order to carry out terminations.

One woman’s story in particular captured the attention of a nation. It was in 2012 when a young woman called Savita Halappanavar experienced complications during a septic miscarriage. She was refused treatment that would have saved her life. It kickstarted a national debate and led to where we are today. The result was that the Irish people delivering a resounding Yes when asked whether the 8th amendment should be scrapped.

It was a piece of street art which seemed to provide a focal point for the moment. A mural which acted as a kind of rallying point for when the result was announced. A portrait of Savita, with the word ‘YES’ written as part of the piece. It appeared outside the Bernard Shaw Pub in Dublin and soon started to attract tributes and messages. This to the woman whose sad story would eventually lead to major change.