This week's newsletter covers Dáil's need to focus on abortion numbers, an athlete's pregnancy reveal, the Lifelines tour event's success and more!


** In This Week’s Issue:
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* Abortion Numbers need Priority when Dáil Returns ✍️
* Athlete Reveals 'Little Olympian' Surprise in Paris 🥹
* Iowa’s Six-Week Heartbeat Law Now in Effect 💓
* LoveBoth LifeLines Celebrates Successful Summer Tour 🎉


** Latest News
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** Spiralling Abortion Numbers must be top of the Agenda when Dáil Returns
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The Dáil went into recess on 11 July and is not due to resume sittings until 18 September. Many commentators and politicians are predicting a general election will be called this autumn, with the poll predicted to be held some time in October. Many issues will dominate the likely short remaining lifespan of this Dáil, especially those which are posed to play a large role in the general election campaign. But the issue which urgently needs to be addressed by politicians of all parties and none is the alarming rise in the abortion rate.

Purely drawing on the claims made by General Practitioners for reimbursements from the HSE for individual abortions performed, we can see that from 2019 to 2023 there have been 38,467 claims representing the same number of abortions. This does not even include the abortion rate in hospitals, which whilst generally lower than the GP abortion rate (primary care sector) it would still represent quite a high figure. Because the government’s annual notification report has been frightfully inaccurate, and because there has been a stubborn refusal to release the hospital abortion rate per year as an isolated figure, it is very difficult to calculate the true scale of abortion in Ireland.

But with the information we do have, it is clear that each year has seen a sharp and alarming rise in the abortion rate. This undeniable trends intersects with other burning political issues such as the housing and health crisis. It’s a symptom of societal insecurity and the lack of a proactive government policy to support women in unplanned pregnancies. The fact that the government tries to skirt over addressing this major issue is a national scandal, whilst the few lonely voices in the Dáil who dare to raise this issue are often subjected to the ‘silent treatment’ or even smears.

The coming general election will present an opportunity to drive home the importance of tackling the alarmingly high abortion rate. In the 7 June local elections, it was often (misleadingly) claimed that the abortion issue was somehow “irrelevant” to local elections which tend to focus on local issues. Moreover, these elections were held prior to the release of the shocking revelation that the government received 10,033 abortion notifications last year – the highest year on record. As such, the general election campaign will be fought in a different context. It’s important that we ensure that the pro-life message is heard and taken seriously in this coming campaign, because it may be our last opportunity to make abortion a national election issue for several years – and given current trends, who can tell where the abortion rate will be in 5 years’ time?


** Athlete competing in Paris carrying 'little Olympian' as she reveals pregnancy
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Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez is making headlines at the Paris 2024 Olympics after revealing that she’s seven months pregnant

The 26-year-old not only competed in the Olympics while pregnant, she advanced to the round of 16, achieving what she describes as a “double victory.”She disclosed her pregnancy on Instagram, saying: “What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three!

It was me, my competitor, and my yet-to-come to our world, little baby!”She was open about the challenges getting ready for the Olympics while pregnant, declaring: “My baby & I had our fair share of challenges, be it both physical & emotional. The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but having to fight to keep the balance of life & sports was nothing short of strenuous, however worth it.”

Congratulations to Nada on her pregnancy and her success at the Olympics. The life-affirming message she shared with millions of people in recent days is admirable and will have a positive and lasting impact.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signs a 6-week abortion ban on July 14, 2023. (photo: Clay Masters / IPR News)


** Iowa’s six-week heartbeat law finally comes into effect
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The Iowa Supreme court has decided against Planned Parenthood in a case which was brought by the pro-abortion organisation against the decision of the Iowa state legislature to introduce a six-week ban on abortion.

Iowa has thus become the twenty second US state to bring forth legislation aimed at limiting abortion and protecting human life. The law’s impact will reduce Iowa’s abortion threshold from 20 weeks to just 6 weeks, the point at which a baby’s heart begins to beat.

The state’s governor, Kim Reynolds, has been a staunch advocate for the pro-life cause in public life. The ruling comes at a time when the issue of abortion has become a major topic in the forthcoming US presidential election, scheduled to be held in November.


** Last week young people from across Ireland hit the road for the Pro Life Campaign and Love Both's LifeLines Summer Tour.
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Traveling through Munster—Limerick, Cork, and Waterford—they sparked meaningful conversations and shared the pro-life message with passion and positivity!

Our amazing volunteers didn’t just talk the talk; they walked the walk, engaging in door-to-door conversations, distributing leaflets, and even preparing Baby Boxes for families in need.

Eilís Mulroy, Pro Life Campaign spokesperson, says, “The enthusiasm of our young participants shows the vibrant spirit of the youth pro-life movement in Ireland.” 🇮🇪

Participant Rachel Mahon adds, “It’s an honour to be part of this tour. Every pro-life effort, no matter how small, can make a difference.”

They also took part in the LoveBoth 5K Your Way event on the Waterford Greenway, raising funds to support mothers in need.

Thank you to everyone who made this tour a success! ✨


** If you are inspired by this youth event, and would like to directly help us to continue to put on events like this one, please consider giving a donation to help the cover the cost of food, accommodation, activities and more.
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** THANK YOU for your generosity!
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DONATE TO THE MISSION ([link removed])


** Future Leaders Programme 2024 open for applications!
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Ireland needs pro-life students and young professionals who are ready and able to speak up for the most vulnerable in our society. If you want to upskill your activism and become a proactive pro-life leader, then this programme is for you!

The Future Leaders Programme is an 6 week programme comprising of in-person and online sessions which will help participants to understand the legal, medical and political realities of abortion and euthanasia in Ireland and the EU. It includes an in-studio day and a tour of Leinster House.

If you are aged between 18-30 and wish to apply simply click below, fill out the form on our website by Friday, 6th September and we will be in touch. If you know someone who might be interested in one of the 15 sponsored places available, then please forward this message to them and encourage them to apply!
APPLY NOW ([link removed])


** LoveBoth Summer Fundraisers
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** Well done to Clonmel Pro Life Group for a brilliant LoveBoth Cake Sale event on Sunday!
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All funds raised are going directly to assisting new mothers babies in need. Thank you to all who organised this great event, and those who came out to show support, including TD Mattie McGrath!

If you are interested in hosting a cake sale in your local area, please click below to learn more and find all the resources you need to help your event be a great success.
HOST A CAKE SALE ([link removed])

Lifelines Tour group doing their 5k Your Way in the Dungarvan Greenway, County Waterford.


** Still time to sign up for your 5k!
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👣 Walk, jog or run, you decide!

Sign up today and help us make a real difference ❤️
SIGN UP FOR YOUR 5K ([link removed])


** NOTE: Seeking Accommodation Providers!
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Do you or someone you know have spare rooms to assist us with housing volunteer teams in the coming months? We hope to have more volunteers travelling across Ireland to help spread the pro-life message in local communities.

Able to help out? Please email us below, and thank you!
Email Us Here (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Providing%20Accommodation%20for%20Volunteers&body=Hi%20there%2C%0A%0AI%20can%20host%20volunteers%20this%20summer!)


** Join us in spreading truth and saving lives!
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Your support can make a significant impact in our mission to end abortion. By contributing to the Pro Life Campaign, you enable us to educate, empower, and defend life. Your generous donation ensures that our vital content reaches those who need it the most, leading to changed minds and saved innocent lives. Thank you for your loving generosity in championing this life-saving cause!
DONATE HERE ([link removed])


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