Get involved today!

25th September 2020
View this email in your browser ([link removed])


** In this issue:
------------------------------------------------------------


**
NEWS: Euthanasia Bill being rushed through the Dáil (#eas)

WATCH: Hope Ireland launches new video (#videohi)

NEWS: Nearly 8000 emails sent to TDs re DIY Abortions (#tele)

NEWS (#toibin) : Tóibín challenges government again over silence on cultural genocide in China (#toibin)

NEWS: 3-day waiting period may have saved over 800 babies from abortion (#3day)

NEWS: NEW monthly podcast 'We Are Human' launched by PLC (#podcast)

NEWS: Students For Life launch new website (#sflws)

JOBS: Students For Life seeking Student Liaison Officer (#SFL)

REGISTER: PLC Network Webinar on 3rd October featuring Peadar Tóibín TD (#webinar)

REGISTER: PLC National Conference streams live from Dublin on 31st October (#conf)

VOLUNTEER: (#volcc) Community Connect seeking volunteers (#volcc)

JOIN: VHI Women's Mini Marathon Team Community Connect (#ccmm)

#virtualinternSIGN UP:
(#virtualintern) Virtual Intern Programme (#virtualintern)
------------------------------------------------------------
Euthanasia Bill being rushed through the Dáil ()
In a remarkably quick series of events, Gino Kenny TD announced this week that his Dying with Dignity Bill has been selected for a Second Stage debate and vote next Thursday, 1st October. This bill is a radical piece of legislation that will enable anyone who has a terminal illness to be euthanised and the person does not need to be near the end of their life to do so. For example, it would be completely legal for a person with early stage dementia, or early stage heart disease to end their lives after receiving their diagnosis.

A brilliant contribution to the debate was made this week by a Canadian medical doctor who
wrote to the Irish Times ([link removed]) informing readers of the dramatic situation in Canada with regards to assisted suicide there. The number of people dying in this way has risen by 455% in just four years, to 5631 deaths in 2019.

It remains the case that palliative care doctors remain overwhelmingly opposed to the legalisation of euthanasia/assisted suicide, and their voices need to be heard in this debate. For information on this particular campaign, we recommend you
sign up for updates ([link removed]) from Hope Ireland.
[link removed]
Hope Ireland launches new video ()
As the Dáil prepares to debate and vote on a bill to introduce euthanasia, click below to watch and share this new video from Hope Ireland on the impact of a euthanasia regime for the most vulnerable members of society.

#hopeireland ([link removed][0]=AZULRKQHqevm3ZGZRxr_XA46chuOpVkFkzJ_vDLvhRsppQnjwjAKVHkgdoQIQwGivD44iuwxCGyV-ACI5yMh_LVPv0vN4FpLfiFVV-wr4Z6wi5cBfYfMt0D6_AwtjZxOb0f0jNPq_2sMPNOJlUEfxYvM08UAX90gC79dj62gpS7Q5sS4WlsaOs4bTk-JmUgz0wPnKQPHL_G2To-6_2Z4Gtth&__tn__=*NK-R) #euthanasia ([link removed][0]=AZULRKQHqevm3ZGZRxr_XA46chuOpVkFkzJ_vDLvhRsppQnjwjAKVHkgdoQIQwGivD44iuwxCGyV-ACI5yMh_LVPv0vN4FpLfiFVV-wr4Z6wi5cBfYfMt0D6_AwtjZxOb0f0jNPq_2sMPNOJlUEfxYvM08UAX90gC79dj62gpS7Q5sS4WlsaOs4bTk-JmUgz0wPnKQPHL_G2To-6_2Z4Gtth&__tn__=*NK-R) #assistedsuicide ([link removed][0]=AZULRKQHqevm3ZGZRxr_XA46chuOpVkFkzJ_vDLvhRsppQnjwjAKVHkgdoQIQwGivD44iuwxCGyV-ACI5yMh_LVPv0vN4FpLfiFVV-wr4Z6wi5cBfYfMt0D6_AwtjZxOb0f0jNPq_2sMPNOJlUEfxYvM08UAX90gC79dj62gpS7Q5sS4WlsaOs4bTk-JmUgz0wPnKQPHL_G2To-6_2Z4Gtth&__tn__=*NK-R)
[link removed]
Pressure grows on Stephen Donnelly to stop home abortions ()
Good news!!
Close to 8000 emails sent to TDs and Senators asking them to call on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to immediately stop the ‘DIY’ abortion at home regime following the deaths of two women in England.
JOIN in! If you haven't already sent a message to your TDs, it takes less than a minute to contact by clicking below.
Send an instant message to your TDs and Senators here ([link removed])
Tóibín challenges government again over its silence on cultural genocide in China ()
On Wednesday, members of Ógra Aontú held a protest outside the Chinese Embassy in Dublin over the treatment of the Uyghur population in China, where a cultural genocide is taking place, including forced abortions and sterilisations of Uyghur women on a massive scale.

Aontú Leader, Peadar Tóibín, who attended the protest outside the embassy raised the matter later that evening in the Dáil with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.

Addressing the minister, Deputy Tóibín said: “I will make two small points in the time I have left. I attended a protest outside the Chinese embassy today concerning the treatment of the Uyghur people. I do not believe that the Government is using its voice strongly enough to oppose the horrendous things happening in that part of the world. People are being forced into thought camps, there is forced abortion and sterilisation and people are going missing. It is very important that we do not just speak through the UN on this issue, but that we raise our voice regarding human rights. Human rights are universal, and not for particular countries. They are for all countries.”

In July, Deputy Tóibín circulated a letter to Oireachtas colleagues in the Dáil calling on them to join him in pressuring the Government "to urgently intervene and make Ireland's opposition to this torture known, and to lobby other western and European countries to join us in condemning these practices”.

Several TDs and Senators from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Social Democrats, Greens and Independents signed the petition. To date, the Government has refused to publicly condemn the genocidal actions of Chinese authorities. Their line about using diplomatic channels to convey their concern doesn’t cut it. There is simply no justification for the Government’s refusal to speak out clearly and plainly against one of the most egregious human rights abuses of our time.

Picture: Members of Ógra Aontú outside the Chinese Embassy on Wednesday

3-day waiting period may have saved over 800 babies from abortion (http://)
It is reasonable to posit that close to one thousand babies may have been saved from abortion because of the 3-day waiting period as stipulated in the legislation.

The claim that this number of lives were saved follows a recent parliamentary question (PQ) from Carol Nolan TD to the Minister for Health on the numbers of women who initially sought information about terminating their pregnancy versus the number of women who actually followed through with an abortion.

In reply to Deputy Nolan’s question, the Department of Health confirmed that 7,536 initial consultations about having an abortion were carried out in 2019 by GPs and ‘family planning’ clinics, with the official figure of 6,666 abortions actually taking place. It means that 870 women changed their mind and didn’t go through with the abortion.

It’s not possible to say with certainty why such a large number of women chose not to proceed after taking the initial steps to access an abortion. Given that State funded pregnancy counselling agencies don’t in any way promote positive alternatives to abortion, it is fair to conclude that the 3-day waiting period before an abortion takes place must be having some positive impact in providing women some space to reconsider having an abortion. The fact that abortion is legal at all is the real tragedy and we must never give up working for the day when the law is repealed. In the meantime, however, the 3-day waiting period should be kept and not abandoned as pro-abortion campaigners are seeking at present.
NEW monthly podcast 'We Are Human' launched by PLC ()

[link removed]
'We Are Human' is a new podcast which aims to empower, educate and inspire people on the pro-life issue. Tune in to the first episode featuring Wendy Grace and Congressman Chris Smith here.

For more information on how to subscribe and listen see www.prolifecampaign.ie/podcasts

Check out Students for Life's brand NEW website at www.studentsforlife.ie ([link removed])
Students for Life support fellow students on campus to be activists for life. On their new website which you can see here ([link removed]) you can research the facts behind the life issues, find out how to support pregnant mums on campus and discover how to get involved with the movement and much much more!

Get in touch with Students for Life today and join the #prolifegeneration
[link removed]
Students For Life hiring! ()
Students For Life is seeking a committed, highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate for a part time role as Project Coordinator/Student Officer.

The successful applicant’s responsibilities will include:
* management and co-ordination of Students for Life campus and online initiatives.
* providing assistance to existing student pro-life groups and encouraging new student groups nationally.
* management of Students for Life’s website and social media accounts.
* attendance at conferences and events to promote Students for Life nationally.

The closing date for applications is extended until Thursday, 8th October. Email [email protected] with your CV or for more information on the role.
Peadar Tóibín TD to feature at next PLC Network Webinar ()
[link removed]
Thank you to all those who have been attending our PLC Network Webinars over recent months. Our next Webinar will take place on Saturday, 3rd October from 11am to 12noon. As usual, the event is free and open to all but pre-registration is essential.

This event will include an interview with Peadar Tóibín TD and leader of Aontú. The theme of the event is 'Grassroots Activism - Resilience during challenging times'

It will also include a panel discussion in overcoming challenges to Grassroots activism. A chat and Q&A facility will ensure participant engagement and one minute Project Snapshots will be interspersed throughout to give you updates and opportunities to work on some pro-life initiatives.
Register instantly for PLC Network Webinar with Peadar Tóibín here ([link removed])
Save the Date: Pro Life Campaign National Conference 2020 ONLINE! ()
[link removed]
The news during the Summer that 7041 babies lost their lives to abortion during 2019 was devastating. Our challenge is to find new strategic ways to reduce those massive numbers and fight for justice for unborn babies and their mothers.

Join hundreds of other pro-life advocates at the PLC National Conference 2020 which this year will be streamed live ONLINE on 31st October from 11am-1.30pm.

An amazing line up of speakers from Ireland, Britain, the US and elsewhere will join us for an informative afternoon which will include:

-Panels with grassroots, public representatives and students
-Interviews with change-makers within the pro-life movement discussing strategies for making positive change.
-Updates on local PLC Network projects and national campaigns
-Videos and live streams from around Ireland

This not to be missed event will be encouraging, and will remind us of how important it is to remain committed to our work of protecting mothers and their unborn babies!
Register instantly for PLC National Conference here! ([link removed])
Community Connect seeking volunteers. Get involved today! ()
[link removed]
As you know Community Connect is a new volunteer-run national initiative to support pregnant women and new parents in a practical and tangible way.

Community Connect helps pregnant mums and new parents who are struggling to get the essentials for their baby, so that they feel more secure and supported in bringing their baby into the world. Community Connect operates as a practical support hub where parents in need can access items like pre-loved babygros and clothes, nappies and wipes, blankets and baby towels, pre-loved buggies, cots and other practical aids. Community Connect has five main volunteer-run hubs across the country, where people can donate baby items and parents in need can access them, and we also have groups of volunteers in many other parts of the country.

We have been working very hard to keep up with the demand for our service which is increasing at present.

Volunteers can help us by collecting, sorting and transporting donations, packing and sorting at the main hubs, working with lead coordinators in each area to promote the work of Community Connect to other charities and to those in need, and much more. There is a role for everyone.

Are you interesting in assisting in your area? If so, please email [email protected] and the team will get in touch.

Read more about Community Connect on the website www.communityconnect.ie
Join Team Community Connect at VHI Women's Mini Marathon 2020 ()
[link removed]
Would you like to help raise much needed funds for Community Connect and get fit while doing so?

Community Connect will be taking part in the VHI Virtual Women's Mini Marathon this year. The goal is to do 10k in 10 days, your way. between 1st and 10th October. You can walk, jog or run!

Community Connect is looking for volunteers to take up this challenge and join their team and help raise funds to support mothers and babies.

Sign up here ([link removed] ) and we'll send you out further details and your race pack, including a gorgeous Community Connect T-shirt.

If you can't participate but want to support Team Community Connect at the event, you can donate here ([link removed]) .

For more information on Community Connect, to access support or to get involved as a volunteer, see www.communityconnect.ie
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.
Find out more and apply for virtual internship instantly ([link removed])
Follow us on social media!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
mailto:[email protected]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

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]

============================================================
Copyright © 2020 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
Clifton House
Lower Fitzwilliam Street
Dublin, 2
Ireland
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.