New coalition partners: Eamon Ryan, Michéal Martin and Leo Varadkar
The Programme for Government ratified yesterday evening by members of the three parties about to enter government together contains several proposals detrimental to the right to life.
However, in official circulars sent to grassroots members of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens before members voted on the programme, there was no mention of some of the most controversial proposals contained in the draft programme for government. And in the case of Fianna Fáil, in the document sent to party members (A Programme for Recovery and Renewal), there wasn’t a solitary mention of anything contentious that might foment opposition.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to ban peaceful pro-life vigils in the vicinity of abortion facilities. No similar law imposing ‘censorship zones’ exists anywhere else in Europe.
If passed, the proposed new law will single out one group of people in society, namely pro-life people, and criminalise their public pro-life witness regardless of how peacefully and sensitively it is carried out.
The Programme for Government also contains a commitment to review the new abortion law in 2022 and all the indications are that there will be an attempt made to get rid of the 3-day waiting period before an abortion can take place, which is a feature of the present law.
There is also a commitment in the Programme for Government to enact legislation in the area of assisted human reproduction that poses a grave threat to the right to life of human embryos, similar to the total disregard shown to early human life in other countries that have brought forward legislation in this area.
There are other proposals contained in the Programme for Government that have the potential to impact negatively on the right to life. It is a sign of how politics is conducted today that parties entering government are at pains to give the impression that their members gave their full backing to every detail of the programme, while in fact they were kept totally in the dark about its most controversial features.
It is troubling to learn about these developments, but it's never a reason to become disheartened. It will take time but the horrific truth about the new abortion law will eventually come to light. We must persevere with patience while doing everything in our power to hasten the day when the right to life is embraced once again as a serious issue by our elected representatives. If we stay committed and active, that day will arrive much sooner than seems likely or even possible at this remove.
Register here for the webinar with Congressman Chris Smith, Deputy Carol Nolan and Senator Rónán Mullen on 11th July!
We are thrilled that we will be joined by Congressman Chris Smith at our next PLC Network Webinar. 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 Deputy Carol Nolan and Senator Rónán Mullen at this event as well as Grassroots pro-life activists and panellists.
This not to be missed event will delve into how we can effect real change on the pro-life issue through political engagement.
The event is FREE but pre-registration is essential.
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
Once you register, you will get an invitation to join the online 'Team' and we will send you out your official LoveBoth fundraising pack. They you can get on the road like our super volunteers below!
How else can you support the cause?
Whether you are doing the challenge or not you can donate to this this fundraiser here
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.
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]
