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12th June 2020
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** In this week's issue:
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READ: (#dropin) Drop in women travelling to England, Irish abortions numbers expected soon (#dropin)
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REGISTER: (#Chris) Webinar with Congressman Chris Smith (#Chris)

WATCH: (#sfl) Students For Life release second 'Outlook' video (#sfl)

WATCH: (#NI) Selection of speeches from recent Northern Assembly debate (#NI)

REGISTER: (#JoinaMasterclass) Communications Workshop with Wendy Grace (#JoinaMasterclass)

JOIN UP: (#June LB) LoveBoth June Fundraising Challenge (#June LB)

SIGN UP: (#virtualintern) Virtual Intern Programme (#virtualintern)
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Drop in numbers traveling to England was inevitable but regardless of where abortions happen, it’s a tragedy - PLC ()
The Pro Life Campaign has said that the sharp reduction in the number of women travelling to England for abortions comes as no surprise following changes to the law in Ireland making abortion widely available here.

The official statistics released by the British Department of Health reveals that the number of women travelling to England for abortions declined from 2,879 in 2018 to 375 in 2019, a decrease of 87%.

Commenting on the latest abortion figures, Pro Life Campaign spokesperson, Maeve O’Hanlon said:

“It was inevitable that the number of Irish abortions occurring in England would drop considerably following repeal of the Eighth Amendment. The heart-breaking reality remains however that regardless of where it happens, with every abortion that takes place a new and unique human life has his or her life ended.

“Since the introduction of wide-ranging abortion here in 2019, the focus of the Government has been in rolling out abortion provision nationwide rather than highlighting and promoting positive alternatives to abortion.

“The impact of the new abortion regime will become clearer when today’s figures are added to the number of abortions that took place here in 2019. Irrespective of what these soon to be released figures reveal, we already know that for the first time in our history thousands of unborn babies have had their lives ended in this country with the full backing of the law. It doesn’t matter how it is packaged or presented, there’s nothing progressive about such a sad and troubling development.

“Before repeal happened, Ireland’s abortion rate was recognised as one of the lowest anywhere in the world and was continuing to decrease further year on year. With abortion now widely available here, it would an enormous undertaking to succeed in continuing to reduce the number of abortions taking place, but it’s something as a society we should most definitely set our minds to achieving. It has already happened in a small number of countries with legalised abortion and it could happen here if the political will existed to engage with those who have valuable contributions to make on how best to create a more welcoming society for expectant mothers and their unborn babies. It would necessitate a sea change in attitudes in government and while that may appear very unlikely right now, it is something we will never give up on working towards.”

ENDS

You can access the full abortion figures for England and Wales for 2019 here ([link removed])
Exciting News! Next PLC Network Webinar will feature Congressman Chris Smith ()
Register here ([link removed] ) for the webinar with Congressman Chris Smith and others on 11th July!

We are thrilled that we will be joined by Congressman Chris Smith at our next PLC Network Webinar.
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A long time advocate for human rights and human dignity , Chris Smith represents New Jersey in Congress. He has served as a member of the US Delegation to the UN General Assembly and has focused much of his career on human rights land anti-human trafficking legislation as well as leading human rights missions to other countries.

We will also be joined by Members of the Oireachtas at this event as well as Grassroots pro-live activists and panellists.

The event is FREE but pre-registration is essential.

You can register instantly here ([link removed] )

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Students For Life broadcast the second episode of their video services 'The Outlook' on Facebook last night. Roger chatted to Bernadette Harkin, a student from Queen's University Belfast about her own personal story behind her pro-life convictions, recent events in Stormont and the work of disability activist, Heidi Crowter. ✨ 👣 🤩 💛

Click above to watch the short interview

#TheOutlook ([link removed]) #AConversationAboutLife
([link removed]) #LifeIsBeautiful
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A selection of speeches from recent Northern Assembly debate ()
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The above video features a small selection of the excellent pro-life contributions in the Northern Ireland Assembly from 2nd June when the Assembly voted in favour of a pro-life motion. It's wonderful to see so many courageous elected representatives speaking up for AND voting for life!

Click above to watch the short piece.

#chooselife ([link removed]) #prolife ([link removed]) #supportmothersandbabies ([link removed]) #bothlivesmatter ([link removed]) #protectlife ([link removed]) #celebratelife ([link removed]) #celebratedifference ([link removed])
We are thrilled with the number of people who have already registered to complete a 5K run or walk during June to raise much needed funds for support services for women in unplanned pregnancy and new mothers.

If you have already registered to take part, please share it on social media and nominate five others to join you. If you haven't signed up, why not do so today? All you need to do is commit to doing a 5k walk or run during the month of June.
You can register here ([link removed])
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Once you register, you will get an invitation to join the online 'Team' and we will send you out your official LoveBoth fundraising pack including a sponsorship form and t-shirt.

How else can you support the cause?

Whether you are doing the challenge or not you can donate to this this fundraiser here ([link removed])

Read below why Melissa is taking part and register today! Thank you.

Join a Masterclass on communicating the pro-life message!

Want to learn how to explain the pro-life position (or advance your knowledge) and skillfully answer challenging questions? Our next online Communications Workshop will cater for all levels and will take place on Wednesday 24th June from 8.30-9.30pm.

You can register instantlyhttps://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMucOivqjwiH9MVwOAZLo31umI0ahochAEV
here ([link removed])
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Are you a secondary school (TY or older) or third level student? Would you like to experience working with a pro-active Human Rights organisation and develop skills in advocacy, campaign management and project planning? We are seeking ‘virtual’ interns to work part-time from home at this time. Internships run for one week periods throughout the Summer.

Click
here ([link removed]) to find out more and apply instantly!
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Follow us on social media!

Vital Signs is the e-newsletter of the Pro Life Campaign. We hope you and your families are keeping well in these unusual times. 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]

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