Introduction to Crossing Troubled Waters: Abortion in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Prince Edward Island

This introductory chapter in this collection situates the barriers faced by the seeking abortion in Prince Edward Island, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland within "Nissology”, that is the study of islands “on their own terms; the open and free inquiry into islandness. Those living on islands face particular challenges presented by their geographic isolation including travel to other jurisdictions, which is financially and emotionally burdensome.
In the analyses that follow, the authors in this collection engage, both explicitly and implicitly, with the concept of “Islandness” and the impact that has had on the history of abortion in Prince Edward Island, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. In doing so, the authors variously explore how social identities have had an impact on abortion laws and experiences. Examining abortion in the island illuminates how the distinct political cultures impact abortion politics.