In This Week’s Issue:

• Former Sinn Féin MEP: I had an abortion to protect IRA operation

• Your story could help turn this debate around

• Andy Burnham’s intervention deals blow to UK assisted suicide vote

• Fauci blamed for approving funding for macabre research using aborted babies

• A heartfelt thank you to our Lifelines Team!

• LoveBoth 5K Your Way - Sign up today

• Join us in September for our Annual Dinner

• National Conference 2026 - Save the Date!

Latest News

Former Sinn Féin MEP: I had an abortion to protect IRA operation

Former Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has said she had an abortion rather than risk disrupting an IRA bombing mission.

She discussed what happened on Sunday with Miriam on RTÉ Radio 1. Anderson, who was 22 years old in 1985 when the abortion took place, was preparing to join an IRA unit operating in England at the time.

She said: “Because of the circumstances I found myself in, I put the struggle first. I had an abortion, the hardest and most painful decision of my life.”

She said she had “lived in silence for over 40 years” and hoped that telling her story “will make some small contribution to stopping the moral and social shaming of women like me.”

Many women who have experienced abortion and later came to regret their decision would take issue with some of her characterisations of how society deals with the issue. They would argue that what is happening is the increasing normalisation, expansion and facilitation of abortion on a deeply concerning scale. They would point to the reality that prior to an abortion women are not as a matter of course offered any information about alternatives or made aware of the practical, emotional and financial supports available to those who may be open to continuing their pregnancy.

Your story could help turn this debate around

The debate on removing the 3-day reflection period before abortion is reaching a crucial stage. Those pushing for its removal only want one viewpoint represented. This has got to change.

If you or someone you know is grateful for the time to reflect before choosing life, or has experienced abortion regret, your voice deserves to be heard.

Your experience could help shape this important discussion. Whether you wish to speak publicly or privately (with anonymity assured), we will support you and respect your wellbeing throughout.

If you feel comfortable sharing your experience, or would simply like to learn more, please send us a message. All conversations and correspondence will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Andy Burnham’s intervention deals blow to UK assisted suicide vote

Campaigners seeking to introduce assisted suicide in Britain have suffered a significant setback ahead of the 11 September Second Reading vote on the revived assisted suicide Bill after newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaffirmed his opposition to advancing the debate while palliative and social care remain inadequately funded.

Setting out his position on Wednesday, Burnham said discussions about legalising assisted suicide should not take place in circumstances where end-of-life care and social care services continue to lack sufficient investment, adding: “that’s the position I will stick to”

The comments mark a sharp contrast with the approach taken by the previous Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, whose public backing for Kim Leadbeater’s assisted suicide Bill was regarded as an important boost for supporters of the legislation. Starmer not only voted in favour of the Bill but also ensured parliamentary time was made available for it to be debated.

Fauci blamed for approving funding for macabre research using aborted babies

Pro-life researchers this week accused former US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr Anthony Fauci of bearing direct responsibility for authorising taxpayer funding for research at the University of Pittsburgh in which scalps taken from aborted babies were grafted onto the backs of laboratory rats.

The study, which appeared in the journal Scientific Reports in 2020, involved transplanting full-thickness scalp tissue from babies aborted at 18 to 20 weeks; gestation onto mice and rats to create “humanised” animal models for research into the human immune system. Images published alongside the paper show the transplanted scalp tissue producing tufts of fine baby hair on the laboratory animals.

Writing about the grotesque research, Steven Ertelt of LifeNews said: “Federal records confirm that Fauci’s NIAID provided approximately $430,000 in grants to the University of Pittsburgh researchers in 2018 and 2019 for the project. Additional NIH support was also listed.”

Take Action

LoveBoth 5K Your Way

We're delighted to have launched this year's LoveBoth 5K Your Way! 🎉

Whether you choose to walk, run, cycle, swim, or take on the challenge your own way, every step helps support women facing unplanned pregnancy and new mothers in need. 🏃‍♀️ 🚴‍♀️ 🏊‍♀️

There are lots of ways to get involved:

1️⃣ Sign up and complete your 5K wherever and whenever suits you

2️⃣ Ask family and friends to sponsor your efforts

3️⃣ Encourage others to join the challenge and support the cause

All funds raised will help provide practical support and care to mothers and babies across Ireland. 💕

Don't miss this opportunity to get active this summer while making a real difference.

Click below to sign up today and receive your LoveBoth T-shirt and sponsorship pack!

Upcoming Events

Join us in September for our annual fundraising dinner

Join us for Ceiliúradh Cois Life 2026, for an evening of celebration, community, and support for the pro-life cause.

📍 Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin 4
📅 Saturday, 19th September 2026
🥂 Drinks Reception at 7:00pm
🍽 Dinner at 7:30pm

Tables of 10 available: €1,500 per table.

Click below to learn more and purchase your tickets.

Alternatively, you can reach out to us here: [email protected].

Save the date for PLC’s National Conference

This year’s National Conference is taking place on Saturday 17th October 2026.

Stay tuned - more details coming soon!