This month marks a historic moment for women in Ireland. In a matter of days the country will take to the polls to decide the nation’s future stance on abortion.

Ireland is considered to still abide by tough and draconian abortion laws. Unlike the UK, terminations are even banned in cases of rape, if a mother’s health is at risk, incest, or if the foetus has fatal abnormalities.

A referendum to repeal the constitution’s eighth amendment, and legalise abortion up to 12 weeks will take place on 25 May.

As campaigners pick up the pace, singer Ed Sheeran has unfairly been pulled into the debate after reports of anti-abortion campaigners were playing his song, Small Bump, in Dublin’s city centre. 

In his Instagram story, the award-winning singer wrote: “I’ve been informed that my song Small Bump is being used to promote the pro-life campaign, and I feel it’s important to let you know I have not given approval for this use, and it does not reflect what the song is about.”

The single was released in 2011 and includes lyrics like: “You’re just a small bump unborn / In four months you’re brought to life / You might be left with my hair /But you’ll have your mother’s eyes / I’ll hold your body in my hands, be as gentle as I can / But for now you’re a scan of my unmade plans.”

In recent weeks, Facebook and Google have announced they’re banning foreign adverts related to the referendum on their site in the run up to the vote. Because if the social media network has learned anything of late, it’s that their adverts hold powers of persuasion for many.

You can read more about Ireland’s referendum here.

Images: Getty