“Bridesmaids” star Chris O’Dowd backs the Yes campaign ahead of abortion referendum

Chris O’Dowd supports the repeal of the constitutional ban on abortion in Ireland.

The IT Crowd and Bridesmaids star Chris O’Dowd has voiced his support for the Yes campaign ahead of Ireland’s May 25 vote on whether the country’s constitutional ban on abortion should be lifted.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to stand with our wives, our girlfriends, our mothers, our daughters, our friends,” O’Dowd states, speaking as part of Amnesty International Ireland's “Vote Yes” campaign.

"Be part of the future, not the past. Every vote really, really counts. We all need to come out and vote Yes on May 25th.

“As a man, it’s worrying that a lot of polls are saying that men aren’t going to come out and vote. They feel that in some way it’s not their business. But this is not something we can stay out of. Those voting ‘no’ won’t be staying out it. This is our chance to be united with people who have difficult times ahead, to stand with the women you love.

Read more: “Men owe women a debt in Ireland:” Liam Neeson shares support of Ireland’s abortion referendum

“We have to vote Yes,” the Co. Roscommon actor concluded.

Currently, the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of Ireland, ratified in 1983, gives mothers and unborn equal rights to life. On May 25, 2018, the Irish public will have the chance to vote to allow the Irish Parliament (Dáil Éireann) to put forth new abortion legislation.

Read more: Irish Americans are taking sides in Ireland’s abortion vote

While abortion is supposed to be allowed in Ireland if the life of the mother is at risk, it is illegal apart from this, even in the cases of rape, incest, or a fatal fetal abnormality. Despite this, it is estimated that as many as 12 Irish women a day travel abroad for an abortion or illegally purchase abortion pills.

How will you be voting on May 25? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section, below.