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Health Committee’s report criticises Three Year Review’s extreme proposals, N.Ireland: 73% of parents opposed to abortion access pushed in schools!👣
| From | Pro Life Campaign <[email protected]> |
| Subject | Health Committee’s report criticises Three Year Review’s extreme proposals, N.Ireland: 73% of parents opposed to abortion access pushed in schools!👣 |
| Date | January 19, 2024 8:02 AM |
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19th January 2024
View this email in your browser ([link removed])
In this Issue...
READ: (#S3) Health Committee’s official report contains criticism of Three-Year Review’s extreme proposals (#S345)
READ: Health Department’s stance on impact of Censorship Zones is “whatever you say, say nothing” (#S3)
READ: Pro-Life ad prominently displayed in Times Square, New York READ: Northern Ireland: 73% of respondents opposed to abortion access being pushed in schools (#ni)
READ: PLC Internships Now Open - Apply Now! (#S2)
REGISTER NOW: Book a place today at Student Summit 2024 (#SS24)
SAVE THE DATE: One for the Diaries - Offaly Pro-Life Conversation, Monday 29th January at Dooley's Hotel, Birr
ACTION: Get involved in the Humanity Campaign – Communicate with your politicians (#Humanity) today (#Humanity)
ACTION (#history) : Do you have pro-life material which could be historically relevant? (#history)
Health Committee’s official report contains criticism of Three-Year Review’s extreme proposals (http://)
The Oireachtas Health Committee was tasked with examining the contents of the Three-Year Review’s report and assessing the merit of its recommendations. The make-up of the Committee skews heavily in favour of abortion, so there was little expectation that a critical analysis would be turned to this deeply flawed Three-Year Review report.
In November 2022, the Irish Times indicated that, having seen a leaked version of the Health Committee’s report, that it would uncritically sign off on all the proposed changes as a package. However, the actual report by the Health Committee is a more nuanced document. It was certainly not a unanimous green-light of the extreme changes contained in the chairperson’s sweep of recommendations – which included scrapping the life-saving three-day wait, undermining doctors’ freedom of conscience, and removing criminal sanctions which prevent doctors from stepping outside the law such as by performing abortions above the prescribed gestational limits.
On page 10 of the Health Committee’s report, it was noted that some individual members of the Health Committee expressed reservations that “research on women who availed of that [three-day waiting] period and opted to bring their pregnancies to term was not conducted or used”. Moreover, criticism was expressed that “the recommendations entail a substantial departure from the proposals presented to the electorate before the May 2018 referendum.”
That these criticisms made their way into the Health Committee’s report is significant. It suggests that even among the Health Committee, there is a recognition of the limited and flawed nature of the Three-Year Review. Undoubtedly influential in this has been the considerable grassroots lobbying (as part of the Humanity Campaign) which began in summer 2023. As part of this campaign, pro-life citizens have met their elected representatives and pointed them to the most egregious and flawed parts of the Three-Year Review and urged that it should be shelved.
The Pro Life Campaign has been vigilant in tracking developments related to the Three-Year Review. For example, all TDs and Senators received a letter from the Pro Life Campaign illustrating the “misinformation” promoted by the Three-Year Review’s chairperson on 18 October 2023 when she falsely told the Oireachtas Health Committee Ireland was alone in the world in having a three-day waiting period for abortion. In fact, there are scores of jurisdictions worldwide which have similar laws. In Italy, there is a seven-day waiting period; in Belgium, a six-day waiting period; and in Germany, Spain, Portugal and elsewhere, a three-day waiting period.
It can be assumed that members of the Health Committee, and elected politicians generally, have been made aware of several of the gaping research flaws and cherry-picked data which underlines the Three-Year Review and its extreme proposals.
Health Department’s stance on impact of Censorship Zones is “whatever you say, say nothing” (http://)
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly
The government’s “Safe Access Zones” Bill, which could more accurately be termed Censorship Zones, is soon to be considered by the Seanad, having been accelerated through the Dáil without any serious scrutiny being taken onboard by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, or by the government.
The law would create 100-metre censorship zones surrounding every single GP clinic, hospital, and “family planning centre” – irrespective of whether they perform abortions or not – in which expressing views or engaging in actions which may be perceived to influence a woman’s decision to have an abortion would be criminalised. This draconian law has naturally raised serious concerns about its likely deleterious impact on civic rights and freedoms. Even Minister Donnelly recognised in February 2022, “We are pushing up against civil liberties when we do this.”
However, the government has been tight-lipped when questioned on what the actual impact of this law would be if enacted. When queried on how many ‘Safe Access Zones’ this law would create, the Minister has repeatedly said: “I am not in a position to specify the exact number of zones.” People have a right to know how much territory this law would cover. It can be assumed, given the immense scope of designated premises set out in its definitions, that it will cover an immense amount of territory. This is implicitly recognised by the Department of Health, which commissioned Táilte Éireann (formerly OSI) to examine just how much territory the law could potentially cover. Attempts by elected representatives to acquire Táilte’s report have been rebuffed, whilst Freedom of Information requests in this regard have been denied.
On 17 January 2024, Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he would provide a copy of the Regulatory Impact Analysis of the Safe Access Zones Bill which was prepared by his Department. Whilst recognising that a Regulatory Impact Analysis was carried out, Minister Donnelly refused to part with it. On this disappointing reply to her parliamentary question, Carol Nolan told Vital Signs that: “Maximum transparency should be the rule not the exception. Without this approach we are hindered in our ability to comprehensively assess the impact of the proposed law or highlight its regulatory impact.”
The Department of Health’s approach of “whatever you say, say nothing” is at its essence undemocratic. Writing recently on the separate 8th March referendums, Senator Michael McDowell said that the government is asking the Irish electorate to play a game of blindman’s buff by voting Yes. A similar game of blindman’s buff is being played by the government with members of the Oireachtas through the Censorship Zones Bill, which has been uncritically railroaded through the Dáil and the potential impact of which will likely be sweepingly totalitarian.
Pro-Life ad prominently displayed in Times Square, New York (http://)
Pro-Life inspired billboard that was unveiled this week in Times Square
The popular US based nappy company EveryLife has unveiled a large billboard in New York's Times Square to coincide with this week's March for Life which takes place later today in Washington DC.
The simple message emblazoned on the billboard features a quote from Twitter/X owner Elon Musk: Having Children is Saving the World
The EveryLife company is known and respected for being a strong supporter of the pro-life cause in the US. It's very much to their credit that they took the bold decision to pay for and place this wonderfully life-affirming message in such a prominent and politically charged location as Times Square, New York City.
Northern Ireland: 73% of respondents opposed to abortion access being pushed in schools (http://)
The Department of Education in Northern Ireland has released the findings of its public consultation which was carried out following the backlash to the guidelines issued last year by the Northern Ireland Secretary mandating all schools to include classroom lessons on the topic of "access to abortion".
The findings of the latest consultation process send a crystal clear message to the Secretary of State and others that parents in Northern Ireland are overwhelmingly opposed to their children being exposed to radical pro-abortion propaganda in classroom settings.
Following the consultation process, the Department of Education in Northern Ireland has confirmed that parents have the right to withdraw their children from the instruction classes from years 8-11, and in year 12 with the child's consent.
The results contained in the Report on the Outcome of Public Consultation reveals that 13,461 people took part in the process, 47.16% of whom were parents, with 32.48% of respondents from the general public.
PLC Internships Now Open - Apply Now! (http://)
Explore the world of human rights with our internship programme! This is your chance to network, learn advocacy skills, and gain experience in campaign management and project planning.
This one-week internship is available starting every Monday from 15th January. It is suitable for TY and older, third-level students, and anyone interested in gaining experience in non-profit work!
Click below to learn more and apply now!
Learn More Here ([link removed])
Book a place today at Student Summit 2024 (http://)
[link removed]
Student Summit 2024 is taking place from 2nd-4th February 2024 at Glencomeragh House, Waterford.
This weekend is jam packed with inspiring talks, engaging workshops, delicious food, and exhilarating hikes.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to elevate your student journey and learn more about pro-life activism!
Book a free place NOW!!
Register Here ([link removed])
One for the Diaries - Offaly Pro-Life Conversation, Monday 29th January at Dooley's Hotel, Birr (http://)
Humanity Campaign - Action Alert! (http://)
[link removed]
It’s a really important time to approach your local TDs and Senators and urge them to reintroduce some humanity into the debate on abortion. The Three-Year Review, a seriously flawed process which produced a one-sided and extreme report, will be considered by politicians in the autumn. It’s important that we take action now.
We have produced a quick and easy Virtual Postcard for you to sign, which will automatically send an email to your local TDs. Use the button below to navigate into your county on our website and find your constituency.
It’s also important to have meetings with your TDs. These can be as simple as dropping into your local TD’s advice clinic to outline your concerns. Click below to register to lobby your local TDs. Don’t worry – we’ll help you every step of the way with advice on making the appointment to points you might consider raising.
We are heartened by the number of people actively involved and interested in meeting their politicians to express their views. The People Before Profit Bill which regrettably passed at 2nd stage of the Dáil on 31st May must also be countered. Even the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has said this Bill goes far beyond the recommendations of the Three-Year Review – which are already extreme in their own right.
It is crucial to engage with our politicians and remind them not to overlook the referendum promises. We need to fight to ensure our abortion policy is aimed at reducing the abortion rate.
Please take a moment to get involved in the
Humanity Campaign ([link removed]) . Remember even the smallest effort will make a big difference.
Thank you!
Send an instant email to your politicians here ([link removed])
Read more about the Humanity Campaign here ([link removed])
Do you have pro-life material which could be historically relevant? (http://)
We are putting out a call for anyone in possession of any documents, photographs, correspondence, etc. relevant to the Irish pro-life movement throughout the decades. We are particularly keen to receive anything in your possession related to periods such as the 1983 referendum. A comprehensive history of the pro-life movement is yet to be written, but the historians of the future will need primary sources. We are asking for people to get in touch with the Pro Life Campaign (mailto:[email protected]) if they possess such material (no matter how old or dusty!) to ensure it is preserved now and not lost to the ages.
Follow us on social media!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
mailto:[email protected]
Join Now! ([link removed])
[link removed]
I want to support the life-changing work of the Pro Life Campaign ([link removed])
Vital Signs is the e-newsletter of the Pro Life Campaign. This email is to update you on what we have been working on recently, including news stories, project updates, and details of upcoming events. If you want to get in touch with us please do so by emailing [email protected]
============================================================
Copyright © 2024 Pro Life Campaign, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive updates from the Pro Life Campaign
Our mailing address is:
Pro Life Campaign
40 Mount Street Upper
Dublin 2
Dublin, Co. Dublin D02 R229
Ireland
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list ** here ([link removed])
This email was sent to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
why did I get this? ([link removed]) unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) update subscription preferences ([link removed])
Pro Life Campaign . 40 Mount Street Upper . Dublin 2 . Dublin, Co. Dublin D02 R229 . Ireland
19th January 2024
View this email in your browser ([link removed])
In this Issue...
READ: (#S3) Health Committee’s official report contains criticism of Three-Year Review’s extreme proposals (#S345)
READ: Health Department’s stance on impact of Censorship Zones is “whatever you say, say nothing” (#S3)
READ: Pro-Life ad prominently displayed in Times Square, New York READ: Northern Ireland: 73% of respondents opposed to abortion access being pushed in schools (#ni)
READ: PLC Internships Now Open - Apply Now! (#S2)
REGISTER NOW: Book a place today at Student Summit 2024 (#SS24)
SAVE THE DATE: One for the Diaries - Offaly Pro-Life Conversation, Monday 29th January at Dooley's Hotel, Birr
ACTION: Get involved in the Humanity Campaign – Communicate with your politicians (#Humanity) today (#Humanity)
ACTION (#history) : Do you have pro-life material which could be historically relevant? (#history)
Health Committee’s official report contains criticism of Three-Year Review’s extreme proposals (http://)
The Oireachtas Health Committee was tasked with examining the contents of the Three-Year Review’s report and assessing the merit of its recommendations. The make-up of the Committee skews heavily in favour of abortion, so there was little expectation that a critical analysis would be turned to this deeply flawed Three-Year Review report.
In November 2022, the Irish Times indicated that, having seen a leaked version of the Health Committee’s report, that it would uncritically sign off on all the proposed changes as a package. However, the actual report by the Health Committee is a more nuanced document. It was certainly not a unanimous green-light of the extreme changes contained in the chairperson’s sweep of recommendations – which included scrapping the life-saving three-day wait, undermining doctors’ freedom of conscience, and removing criminal sanctions which prevent doctors from stepping outside the law such as by performing abortions above the prescribed gestational limits.
On page 10 of the Health Committee’s report, it was noted that some individual members of the Health Committee expressed reservations that “research on women who availed of that [three-day waiting] period and opted to bring their pregnancies to term was not conducted or used”. Moreover, criticism was expressed that “the recommendations entail a substantial departure from the proposals presented to the electorate before the May 2018 referendum.”
That these criticisms made their way into the Health Committee’s report is significant. It suggests that even among the Health Committee, there is a recognition of the limited and flawed nature of the Three-Year Review. Undoubtedly influential in this has been the considerable grassroots lobbying (as part of the Humanity Campaign) which began in summer 2023. As part of this campaign, pro-life citizens have met their elected representatives and pointed them to the most egregious and flawed parts of the Three-Year Review and urged that it should be shelved.
The Pro Life Campaign has been vigilant in tracking developments related to the Three-Year Review. For example, all TDs and Senators received a letter from the Pro Life Campaign illustrating the “misinformation” promoted by the Three-Year Review’s chairperson on 18 October 2023 when she falsely told the Oireachtas Health Committee Ireland was alone in the world in having a three-day waiting period for abortion. In fact, there are scores of jurisdictions worldwide which have similar laws. In Italy, there is a seven-day waiting period; in Belgium, a six-day waiting period; and in Germany, Spain, Portugal and elsewhere, a three-day waiting period.
It can be assumed that members of the Health Committee, and elected politicians generally, have been made aware of several of the gaping research flaws and cherry-picked data which underlines the Three-Year Review and its extreme proposals.
Health Department’s stance on impact of Censorship Zones is “whatever you say, say nothing” (http://)
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly
The government’s “Safe Access Zones” Bill, which could more accurately be termed Censorship Zones, is soon to be considered by the Seanad, having been accelerated through the Dáil without any serious scrutiny being taken onboard by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, or by the government.
The law would create 100-metre censorship zones surrounding every single GP clinic, hospital, and “family planning centre” – irrespective of whether they perform abortions or not – in which expressing views or engaging in actions which may be perceived to influence a woman’s decision to have an abortion would be criminalised. This draconian law has naturally raised serious concerns about its likely deleterious impact on civic rights and freedoms. Even Minister Donnelly recognised in February 2022, “We are pushing up against civil liberties when we do this.”
However, the government has been tight-lipped when questioned on what the actual impact of this law would be if enacted. When queried on how many ‘Safe Access Zones’ this law would create, the Minister has repeatedly said: “I am not in a position to specify the exact number of zones.” People have a right to know how much territory this law would cover. It can be assumed, given the immense scope of designated premises set out in its definitions, that it will cover an immense amount of territory. This is implicitly recognised by the Department of Health, which commissioned Táilte Éireann (formerly OSI) to examine just how much territory the law could potentially cover. Attempts by elected representatives to acquire Táilte’s report have been rebuffed, whilst Freedom of Information requests in this regard have been denied.
On 17 January 2024, Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he would provide a copy of the Regulatory Impact Analysis of the Safe Access Zones Bill which was prepared by his Department. Whilst recognising that a Regulatory Impact Analysis was carried out, Minister Donnelly refused to part with it. On this disappointing reply to her parliamentary question, Carol Nolan told Vital Signs that: “Maximum transparency should be the rule not the exception. Without this approach we are hindered in our ability to comprehensively assess the impact of the proposed law or highlight its regulatory impact.”
The Department of Health’s approach of “whatever you say, say nothing” is at its essence undemocratic. Writing recently on the separate 8th March referendums, Senator Michael McDowell said that the government is asking the Irish electorate to play a game of blindman’s buff by voting Yes. A similar game of blindman’s buff is being played by the government with members of the Oireachtas through the Censorship Zones Bill, which has been uncritically railroaded through the Dáil and the potential impact of which will likely be sweepingly totalitarian.
Pro-Life ad prominently displayed in Times Square, New York (http://)
Pro-Life inspired billboard that was unveiled this week in Times Square
The popular US based nappy company EveryLife has unveiled a large billboard in New York's Times Square to coincide with this week's March for Life which takes place later today in Washington DC.
The simple message emblazoned on the billboard features a quote from Twitter/X owner Elon Musk: Having Children is Saving the World
The EveryLife company is known and respected for being a strong supporter of the pro-life cause in the US. It's very much to their credit that they took the bold decision to pay for and place this wonderfully life-affirming message in such a prominent and politically charged location as Times Square, New York City.
Northern Ireland: 73% of respondents opposed to abortion access being pushed in schools (http://)
The Department of Education in Northern Ireland has released the findings of its public consultation which was carried out following the backlash to the guidelines issued last year by the Northern Ireland Secretary mandating all schools to include classroom lessons on the topic of "access to abortion".
The findings of the latest consultation process send a crystal clear message to the Secretary of State and others that parents in Northern Ireland are overwhelmingly opposed to their children being exposed to radical pro-abortion propaganda in classroom settings.
Following the consultation process, the Department of Education in Northern Ireland has confirmed that parents have the right to withdraw their children from the instruction classes from years 8-11, and in year 12 with the child's consent.
The results contained in the Report on the Outcome of Public Consultation reveals that 13,461 people took part in the process, 47.16% of whom were parents, with 32.48% of respondents from the general public.
PLC Internships Now Open - Apply Now! (http://)
Explore the world of human rights with our internship programme! This is your chance to network, learn advocacy skills, and gain experience in campaign management and project planning.
This one-week internship is available starting every Monday from 15th January. It is suitable for TY and older, third-level students, and anyone interested in gaining experience in non-profit work!
Click below to learn more and apply now!
Learn More Here ([link removed])
Book a place today at Student Summit 2024 (http://)
[link removed]
Student Summit 2024 is taking place from 2nd-4th February 2024 at Glencomeragh House, Waterford.
This weekend is jam packed with inspiring talks, engaging workshops, delicious food, and exhilarating hikes.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to elevate your student journey and learn more about pro-life activism!
Book a free place NOW!!
Register Here ([link removed])
One for the Diaries - Offaly Pro-Life Conversation, Monday 29th January at Dooley's Hotel, Birr (http://)
Humanity Campaign - Action Alert! (http://)
[link removed]
It’s a really important time to approach your local TDs and Senators and urge them to reintroduce some humanity into the debate on abortion. The Three-Year Review, a seriously flawed process which produced a one-sided and extreme report, will be considered by politicians in the autumn. It’s important that we take action now.
We have produced a quick and easy Virtual Postcard for you to sign, which will automatically send an email to your local TDs. Use the button below to navigate into your county on our website and find your constituency.
It’s also important to have meetings with your TDs. These can be as simple as dropping into your local TD’s advice clinic to outline your concerns. Click below to register to lobby your local TDs. Don’t worry – we’ll help you every step of the way with advice on making the appointment to points you might consider raising.
We are heartened by the number of people actively involved and interested in meeting their politicians to express their views. The People Before Profit Bill which regrettably passed at 2nd stage of the Dáil on 31st May must also be countered. Even the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has said this Bill goes far beyond the recommendations of the Three-Year Review – which are already extreme in their own right.
It is crucial to engage with our politicians and remind them not to overlook the referendum promises. We need to fight to ensure our abortion policy is aimed at reducing the abortion rate.
Please take a moment to get involved in the
Humanity Campaign ([link removed]) . Remember even the smallest effort will make a big difference.
Thank you!
Send an instant email to your politicians here ([link removed])
Read more about the Humanity Campaign here ([link removed])
Do you have pro-life material which could be historically relevant? (http://)
We are putting out a call for anyone in possession of any documents, photographs, correspondence, etc. relevant to the Irish pro-life movement throughout the decades. We are particularly keen to receive anything in your possession related to periods such as the 1983 referendum. A comprehensive history of the pro-life movement is yet to be written, but the historians of the future will need primary sources. We are asking for people to get in touch with the Pro Life Campaign (mailto:[email protected]) if they possess such material (no matter how old or dusty!) to ensure it is preserved now and not lost to the ages.
Follow us on social media!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
mailto:[email protected]
Join Now! ([link removed])
[link removed]
I want to support the life-changing work of the Pro Life Campaign ([link removed])
Vital Signs is the e-newsletter of the Pro Life Campaign. This email is to update you on what we have been working on recently, including news stories, project updates, and details of upcoming events. If you want to get in touch with us please do so by emailing [email protected]
============================================================
Copyright © 2024 Pro Life Campaign, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive updates from the Pro Life Campaign
Our mailing address is:
Pro Life Campaign
40 Mount Street Upper
Dublin 2
Dublin, Co. Dublin D02 R229
Ireland
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list ** here ([link removed])
This email was sent to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
why did I get this? ([link removed]) unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) update subscription preferences ([link removed])
Pro Life Campaign . 40 Mount Street Upper . Dublin 2 . Dublin, Co. Dublin D02 R229 . Ireland
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