Next Tuesday, for two days, Heidi Crowter and Máire Lea-Wilson’s case against the UK’s discriminatory abortion law will be heard in the High Court in London.

The case revolves around the discrimination in the law that permits abortion up to birth where an unborn baby is detected with a disability, while there is a general 24-week time limit in other situations.

Heidi Crowder is joined by Máire Lea-Wilson is taking the landmark case. Máire’s 2-year-old son Aidan has Down’s syndrome and she has spoken publicly about being “placed under intense pressure” to have an abortion after a 34-week scan revealed he had Down’s syndrome. In a recent interview she said: “I have two sons that I love and value equally, but the law does not value them equally. This is wrong and so we want to try and change that…We proclaim that we live in a society that values those with disabilities, that everyone deserves a fair and equal chance at life, regardless of their ability status. This law undermines that narrative, does it really have a place in 2021?”

Heidi Crowter speaking as someone with Down syndrome, said: “People like me are considered to be ‘seriously handicapped’, but I think using that phrase for a clause in abortion law is so out of date…People shouldn’t be treated differently because of their disabilities, it’s downright discrimination”.

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities repeatedly criticised countries that allow abortion based on disability. The outcome of next week’s case will be followed with considerable interest both in the UK and internationally.

Ireland South MEP Mick Wallace claimed yesterday that reports one million Uyghur people are being detained in concentration camps by the Chinese Government are “grossly exaggerated.”

Without presenting an iota of independent evidence, Mr Wallace made his claims on Newstalk Breakfast, effectively parroting the propaganda speaking points of the Chinese Communist Party.

Numerous independent assessments in recent years have estimated that well over one million Uyghurs (possibly closer to two million) are being held in concentration camps, where they are subjected to torture, sadistic sexual violence and forced abortions and sterilisations. The United States, Canada, and the European Union (EU) have introduced sanctions (albeit weak sanctions) against China on foot of all the evidence gathered. But in Mick Wallace’s eyes, it’s a case of “move along, little or nothing to see here.”

When he says the claims about detention conditions are “grossly exaggerated”, it means he doesn’t dispute the very existence of the concentration camps. This begs the question, why is he not openly condemning the Chinese authorities for operating genocidal camps regardless of how extensive they are?

His request to Chinese authorities to be allowed visit the XinJiang region to assess the conditions for himself is utterly naïve at best. Does he seriously think the Chinese government will grant him access to the actual camps where the Uyghur people are being detained and tortured?

Politicians like Mick Wallace are free to make the most outlandish claims safe in the knowledge they won’t be properly challenged by the media in Ireland to back them up. It’s another sign of the lack of seriousness in this country at present when it comes to rigorous debate and holding people to account for the claims they make if they happen to belong to the ‘acceptable’ side of the ideological divide.

Register Now for Community Connect Workshop 

The Topic is Supporting Mothers and Babies - Wednedsday 7th July, 7.30PM - 8.30PM.

Our workshop series invites volunteers to share their knowledge, develop skills and receive futher education and training on right to life issues.

The event is free but participation is limited to 20 people. 

REGISTER NOW for the PLC Network Webinar, Saturday 10th July from 11am-12noon.

Special guest Autumn Lindsay of Students For Life of America will join a discussion about new ways to engage with the public on the pro-life issue.

The webinar will also include a panel discussion with grassroots activists and much more! 

Participation is free but pre-registration is essential.

Raise funds and support Mums and babies this summer.

Taking part is easy and fun. Run, cycle or swim, you decide. How and where you do the 5k is your choice. You may decide to do it with a group of friends or solo, it’s up to you!

Just remember to tell your family and friends about your plans and ask them to sponsor you.

Register today and receive your free LoveBoth T-Shirt and sponsorship pack

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. 

Thank you!
 

Apply Now by filling in the application form