This week, the first legislative proposal on the pro-life issue since the referendum to repeal the 8th Amendment in 2018 was launched by 11 pro-life TDs. The proposal, the ‘Foetal Pain Relief Bill 2021’ was introduced on Wednesday by Independent TD Carol Nolan and will, if passed, ensure that unborn babies during late-term abortions are given pain relief and that no baby dies experiencing pain or discomfort from the abortion procedure.
Deputy Nolan and the other co-sponsors of the bill are to be warmly congratulated for courageously moving forward with this humanitarian proposal that should be supported by every parliamentarian of goodwill.
The co-sponsors of the bill are Éamon Ó Cuív; Peadar Tóibín, Mattie McGrath, Peter Fitzpatrick, Sean Canney, Michael Collins, Michael Healy Rae, Danny Healy Rae, Noel Grealish and Richard O’Donoghue.
Read more about the Foetal Pain Relief Bill on our website here
Watch clips from Deputy Carol Nolan's speech below
In the Seanad on Tuesday morning, Senator Rónán Mullen raised the lack of balance on RTÉs 'Today with Claire Byrne' show on Monday.
The Senator referenced the 14 minute piece on the topic of the three year review of the abortion legislation and the fact that while there were three pro-abortion representatives interviewed, there was just one spokesperson from the pro-life side.
The Senator said that at this stage he would support those who opt to withhold paying their TV licence on the basis of not being represented by RTÉ.
In a disturbing statement released this week, the NI Human Rights Commission has said that a bill which would prohibit abortions on the basis of disabilities such as Down Syndrome is incompatible with humans rights law.
It is shocking but not surprising that abortion access is now being advanced under the guise of human rights. This is despite there being no mention of abortion in any international human rights treaty. In fact the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child explicitly mentions the unborn child when it states that "the child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth."
The NI Human Rights Commission made the statement in response to a new bill in the NI Assembly which would amend the law on abortion in the North. The law as it currently stands permits abortion for non-fatal disabilities up till birth, which includes disabilities such as Down Syndrome and cleft palate. Paul Givan MLA's Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill would seek to remedy this injustice by removing non-fatal disabilities as a grounds for abortion.
Despite the NI HRC's deeply flawed legal analysis, the bill has received significant cross-party support in the Assembly, and was voted through 2nd stage in March with a large majority of 48 votes in favour to 12 against.
The Pro Life Campaign was among those who made a submission to the recent NI public consultation on the Paul Givan bill.
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]
