On Tuesday, the British government published regulations to compel the Northern Ireland Executive to implement the abortion law foisted on the North by the Westminster parliament in 2019.
The parliament voted back then to impose wide-ranging abortion on the North during the period that the Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended.
Since then, the DUP and others have opposed giving effect to the new law as they argue abortion is a devolved issue that should be decided by the Northern Assembly and not Westminster. Abortion is one of the issues that was devolved to the Northern Executive following the Good Friday Agreement.
Before Boris Johnson’s government made its announcement on Tuesday, the DUP warned that the move would “represent a very serious breach of the devolution settlement.”
It was confirmed this week that half of the country’s maternity hospitals are still not carrying out abortions, two years on from the legislation being passed opening the door to abortion. The Government and Department of Health are fully aware that many of the obstetricians working in these hospitals don’t regard abortion as ‘healthcare’ in any, way shape or form.
It is a very delicate matter therefore trying to impose abortion on these hospitals as the last thing the Government want is senior obstetricians making public statements challenging the line being touted by abortion supporters that abortion is healthcare.
In a letter to the Oireachtas Health Committee this week, the secretary general of the Department of Health confirmed that efforts were being made to ensure the rollout of abortion in all 19 maternity units across the country but he stated that the Covid pandemic had impacted the ability of the Department to engage in face-to-face meetings with staff in the relevant hospitals on the issue of abortion access.
Florida congresswoman Kat Cammack has revealed that she was almost aborted after her mother was pressured by doctors and family members not to continue the pregnancy.
Cammack is one of 18 pro-life women elected to the US House of Representatives for the first-time last November. She says being pro-life isn’t just of matter of policy for her – it’s personal.
Her mother was advised on health grounds to abort her baby but refused. Cammack was born perfectly healthy and her mother suffered none of the medical complications predicted by her doctor.
Cammack says: “I can’t imagine my mom at the time, single mother, scared, and her own mom telling her to abort.” But in the end as the new congresswoman puts it, “she chose life.”
Listen back to Síle Quinlan, spokesperson for the Pro Life Campaign, speaking to Steve Johnson of Spirit Radio about the recent developments in Northern Ireland following a vote to not allow abortions for non-fetal disabilities such as Down Syndrome.
A big thank you to all those supporters who donated much needed items for new and expectant mothers – the response was amazing, and all of the hubs are delighted to have so many nappies, wipes, baby clothes and other essential items to distribute to families in need!
Well done and thank you also of course to all the amazing Community Connect volunteers around the country, who gave of their time and collected all these items.
Many other supporters contributed online by sponsoring a gift package for a mother and baby. Community Connect volunteers will ensure that each of these are lovingly prepared, and delivered to a needy family.
Community Connect works tirelessly every single week to get essential items out to families who need it most.
The response to the donation day was terrific and will directly help 200 more families in need.
The aim of this campaign is to encourage people to get involved with the PLC. We really need your help with this.
We are looking for some motivational videos and pictures. If you could take a few minutes today or tomorrow to do any of the following this would really help make a difference
- TAKE A SHORT VIDEO of yourself (20 Seconds max) telling people why you are pro-life or your favourite pro-life quote and encouraging other people to get involved - finish with the words "Change begins with you"
and/or
- TAKE A SELFIE of yourself holding up a homemade sign with the words "Change begins with You!"
Please text or whatsapp 0868246507, or send by email to [email protected]
Would you like to experience working with a pro-active Human Rights organisation?
If you would like, APPLY HERE to our exciting virtual intern programme for students!
Participants on the programme will have an opportunity to network with other young people and develop skills in advocacy, campaign management and project planning.
Internships run for one-week periods and are suitable for second level (Transition year or older) and third level students.
Each intern will do 4 hours supervised work each day and will be working on areas such as social media, contact with members of the movement nationwide, project planning and contributing to support work for women and their babies.
Internships are not paid, however expenses will be covered.
If you or a family member is interested, please complete the below form and we will be in touch with you presently. Placements are subject to availability.
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]