| From | Pro Life Campaign <[email protected]> |
| Subject | 10 POSITIVE STEPS FROM 2021 TO BUILD ON IN NEW YEAR!👣 |
| Date | December 31, 2021 8:59 AM |
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Happy New Year from the PLC!
31st December 2021
View this email in your browser ([link removed])
10 POSITIVE STEPS FROM 2021 TO BUILD ON IN NEW YEAR ()
Dear Friend,
2021 saw some small but measurable steps in the right direction on the pro-life front. It’s important to acknowledge these positive developments and build on them.
The big numbers that have been attending the monthly online PLC Network webinars and workshops over the past 20 months is proof that pro-life activists are staying positive and are committed to the job at hand. It’s a really encouraging sign for the future.
As we enter 2022, we’ve compiled a round-up below (by no means complete) of some of the things that happened over the past 12 months that should give us hope and prompt us to work twice as hard in the New Year!
Looking forward to collaborating with you over the next 12 months.
Wishing you and all your loved ones every blessing for 2022!
EilÃs Mulroy
Pro Life Campaign
1. Students for Life ()
[link removed]
In the past year, the Students for Life Facebook page reached hundred of thousands of people, prompting a significant volume of interactions and online discussion.
The group exists to mobilise students in educating and informing others about fundamental human rights, and to ensure better on campus supports for students experiencing an unplanned pregnancy so that no student should have to choose between education and having a baby.
In 2021, Students for Life also produced and posted some excellent videos, including one in response to the cultural genocide, forced abortions and sterilisations being carried by Chinese authorities against the Uyghur people in th
e Xinjiang region. 2022 promises to be another very active year for Students for Life. Watch the Students For Life video above.
Follow Students for Life on
Facebook ([link removed]) and Instagram ([link removed]) to stay in touch.
2. First abortion bill introduced since 2018 is pro-life ()
[link removed]
In May, the Foetal Pain Relief Bill ([link removed]) was introduced in the Dáil by Carol Nolan TD and co-sponsored by ten other TDs. The bill, if passed, would ensure that no baby dies experiencing pain or suffering during a late-term abortion. It was the first abortion bill introduced in the Dáil since 2018, and significantly it’s a pro-life bill.
In December, when it reached a Second Stage reading in the Dáil, the Government introduced a blocking amendment to stop it progressing. Despite this, 37 TDs voted against the blocking amendment and in favour of ensuring that unborn babies are given pain relief before late term abortions. That’s almost twice the number of votes a similarly worded amendment proposed in the immediate aftermath of the 2018 abortion referendum. So, momentum is definitely growing in the Dáil for unborn babies to be given precautionary pain relief before late term abortions. December’s vote was a move in the right direction that’s worth noting.
There are lots of other issues related to the abortion law that also need attention. We have reason however to enter the New Year with renewed hope and optimism about what can be achieved in 2022, given the unwavering commitment and determination pro-life TDs have shown in the past 12 months alone. The co-sponsors of the foetal pain bill along with Carol Nolan were: Éamon Ó CuÃv; Peadar TóibÃn, Mattie McGrath, Peter Fitzpatrick, Sean Canney, Michael Collins, Michael Healy Rae, Danny Healy Rae, Noel Grealish and Richard O’Donoghue.
Watch a short message from Carol Nolan TD on the day of the vote above.
3. Latest opinion poll findings and ‘End the Silence’ Campaign ()
[link removed]
In November, the Pro Life Campaign launched a comprehensive report ([link removed]) on the new abortion regime called Ireland's Abortion Law: End the Silence. The PLC also published the findings of recently commissioned Amárach Research ([link removed]) opinion polls showing that 89% of people support women being informed about alternatives before proceeding with an abortion, while 77% of the public back the abortion law being amended to ensure that babies who survive the abortion procedure are given medical care.
The report and poll findings were launched in anticipation of the Government’s upcoming three-year review of the abortion law. It’s encouraging to see the high level of public support for the measures being put forward by the pro-life side. In 2022, an intensified grassroots led campaign is needed to pressure the Government to acknowledge the latest poll findings during the Three Year Review of the abortion law, and to make room at the decision making table for the inclusion of pro-life perspectives so that positive alternatives to abortion can be prioritised to help reduce Ireland’s spiralling abortion rate which has shown a 70% increase in abortions in just two years.
Here’s a short video from the day of the press launch of the ‘End the Silence’ Campaign above.
4. Parliamentary Questions (PQs) unearthing truth about abortion law ()
Pro-life TDs have done incredible work in 2021 in holding the Government to account for the new abortion law. Their work in putting questions to the Minister for Health and asking Parliamentary Questions confirmed the following: That over €20 million of taxpayers’ money was spent on abortion provision in the first two years of the law taking effect; that gruesome D&E late-term dismemberment abortions are happening despite promises that they would never occur; the Minister for Health and HSE refused to deny that babies have survived the abortion procedure and been left to die alone unaided; confirmation from the HSE that doctors who carry out abortions have been given no official training in pregnancy counselling or on how to advise women seeking information about alternatives prior to an abortion; HSE confirmed they're not collecting data on complications linked to 'DIY' at home abortions that are happening with government approval during the Covid period.
These are just some of the answers received to parliamentary questions submitted. The following TDs deserve special mention for the questions they put to the Minister for Health during 2021: Carol Nolan, Peadar TóibÃn, Sean Canney, Éamon Ó CuÃv, Mattie McGrath, Peter Fitzpatrick and Michael Collins.
5. Three-day-waiting period is saving lives ()
The information contained in a recent reply to a parliamentary question shows that of a total of 8,057 initial consultations for access to abortion in 2020, 6,577 women subsequently went through with having an abortion that particular year.
Thus, the data shows that a very significant 1,480 women changed their mind during the three-day waiting period, between the first consultation and subsequent meeting with their doctor.
It is hard evidence that the three-day waiting period is clearly saving lives and should be retained. It’s thanks again to the pro-life TDs that this information has come to light as a result of their questions to the Minister for Health.
6. Hopes raised in US for pro-life Supreme Court victory ()
2022 could very well be the year that Roe v. Wade is overturned in the US, signalling a huge pro-life victory. The Supreme Court is currently considering Dobbs v. Jackson, the Mississippi case that challenges Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalised abortion in the United States.
The decision in Dobbs v. Jackson is expected before the end of June. Whatever the court decides, it will have huge ramifications for the right to life of unborn babies. The make-up of the Supreme Court has undergone enormous changes in recent years and currently sits at a 6-3 conservative majority. Let’s hope and pray that the court delivers a resounding pro-life judgment.
7. Community Connect - Supporting mothers and babies ()
Community Connect provides a vital lifeline to expectant mums and new parents. In the past year alone, it has made over 850 unique visits to families in need, helping new parents and women experiencing unplanned pregnancies who are struggling with the question about how they will provide for their baby.
Community Connect exists to help answer this question with practical, material supports so that mums and parents feel more secure and supported in bringing their baby into the world.
It has ten active locations around the country where people can donate baby items and parents in need can access them. It has over 35 key volunteers and 180 people who have signed up to help knit baby items.
Along with groups like Gianna Care, Community Connect is doing phenomenal work and making a real difference. We all need to lend a hand in 2022 to help grow this vital outreach even more!
8. Good news as euthanasia bill rejected ()
The decision by the Oireachtas Committee on Justice not to progress Gino Kenny's 'Dying With Dignity' Bill was a positive development that happened in July.
Even though Kenny’s bill was approved at Second Stage in the Dáil in October 2020 by 81 votes to 71, quite a number of TDs who voted for it at Second Stage, including members of the Justice Committee, subsequently expressed reservations about the bill and the difficulties associated with introducing a law in this area that wouldn’t pressure people in vulnerable situations to opt for euthanasia.
It was significant as well that over 2,500 doctors signed a petition expressing their opposition to the bill - including a large number of specialists in end-of-life care.
Despite these positive developments, this debate is far from closed. The media are continuing to push hard for a change in the law to permit suicide and Gino Kenny has indicated that he plans to introduce a redrafted euthanasia bill soon.
Those who’ve worked tirelessly and led the fight against assisted suicide/euthanasia over the past year, most notably Hope Ireland, deserve massive praise. They are ensuring that the public is informed of all the facts and the truth of what has happened in countries that introduced assisted suicide/euthanasia.
9. Tackling media bias on abortion ()
[link removed]
In June, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland partially upheld two complaints against Newstalk for their continued biased coverage of the abortion issue.
The BAI decision related to two separate interviews conducted on the same day (10th December 2020) on Newstalk’s Breakfast presented by Ciara Kelly and the Hard Shoulder presented by Mark Cagney.
Newstalk was forced to read out on air apologies during the offending morning and afternoon pregrammes, referencing the BAI rulings and the fact that both presenters (Ciara Kelly and Mark Cagney) expressed partisan views on abortion.
The BAI should have gone further and fully upheld the complaints, given how biased and over the top both programmes were in their coverage. But a partial win is still welcome.
The Pro Life Campaign ran several initiatives in 2021 to put pressure on RTÉ to give fairer coverage on the abortion including an email campaign to Director General of RTÉ. The interventions of several TDs and Senators on the issue was particularly helpful. We need to see a lot more of that in 2022. The statistics regarding the extent of the bias are truly shocking and need a much bigger spotlight to stand any chance of effecting change. This issue will remain a priority in the New Year.
Watch contribution from Senator Rónán Mullen in the Seanad, where he raises questions about continuing to pay the TV licence in light of RTÉ’s relentless bias on the abortion issue above
.
10. Future Leaders Programme ()
Since its establishment just over two years ago, the Future Leaders Programme has completed seven courses in Dublin, Galway and online (involving over 30 weeks of talks, presentations and interactive seminars), producing more than 40 alumni.
During 2021, courses were conducted online on account of Covid but it’s hoped to return to in-person sessions in 2022.
The FLP is playing a pivotal role in equipping and training the next generation of pro-life leaders in Ireland. It is a hugely important initiative and the Pro Life Campaign is committed to ensuring it develops and thrives in the coming years.
Follow us on social media!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
mailto:[email protected]
[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 © 2021 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
24 Mount Street Upper
Dublin 2
Dublin, Co. Dublin D02 R229
Ireland
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.
31st December 2021
View this email in your browser ([link removed])
10 POSITIVE STEPS FROM 2021 TO BUILD ON IN NEW YEAR ()
Dear Friend,
2021 saw some small but measurable steps in the right direction on the pro-life front. It’s important to acknowledge these positive developments and build on them.
The big numbers that have been attending the monthly online PLC Network webinars and workshops over the past 20 months is proof that pro-life activists are staying positive and are committed to the job at hand. It’s a really encouraging sign for the future.
As we enter 2022, we’ve compiled a round-up below (by no means complete) of some of the things that happened over the past 12 months that should give us hope and prompt us to work twice as hard in the New Year!
Looking forward to collaborating with you over the next 12 months.
Wishing you and all your loved ones every blessing for 2022!
EilÃs Mulroy
Pro Life Campaign
1. Students for Life ()
[link removed]
In the past year, the Students for Life Facebook page reached hundred of thousands of people, prompting a significant volume of interactions and online discussion.
The group exists to mobilise students in educating and informing others about fundamental human rights, and to ensure better on campus supports for students experiencing an unplanned pregnancy so that no student should have to choose between education and having a baby.
In 2021, Students for Life also produced and posted some excellent videos, including one in response to the cultural genocide, forced abortions and sterilisations being carried by Chinese authorities against the Uyghur people in th
e Xinjiang region. 2022 promises to be another very active year for Students for Life. Watch the Students For Life video above.
Follow Students for Life on
Facebook ([link removed]) and Instagram ([link removed]) to stay in touch.
2. First abortion bill introduced since 2018 is pro-life ()
[link removed]
In May, the Foetal Pain Relief Bill ([link removed]) was introduced in the Dáil by Carol Nolan TD and co-sponsored by ten other TDs. The bill, if passed, would ensure that no baby dies experiencing pain or suffering during a late-term abortion. It was the first abortion bill introduced in the Dáil since 2018, and significantly it’s a pro-life bill.
In December, when it reached a Second Stage reading in the Dáil, the Government introduced a blocking amendment to stop it progressing. Despite this, 37 TDs voted against the blocking amendment and in favour of ensuring that unborn babies are given pain relief before late term abortions. That’s almost twice the number of votes a similarly worded amendment proposed in the immediate aftermath of the 2018 abortion referendum. So, momentum is definitely growing in the Dáil for unborn babies to be given precautionary pain relief before late term abortions. December’s vote was a move in the right direction that’s worth noting.
There are lots of other issues related to the abortion law that also need attention. We have reason however to enter the New Year with renewed hope and optimism about what can be achieved in 2022, given the unwavering commitment and determination pro-life TDs have shown in the past 12 months alone. The co-sponsors of the foetal pain bill along with Carol Nolan were: Éamon Ó CuÃv; Peadar TóibÃn, Mattie McGrath, Peter Fitzpatrick, Sean Canney, Michael Collins, Michael Healy Rae, Danny Healy Rae, Noel Grealish and Richard O’Donoghue.
Watch a short message from Carol Nolan TD on the day of the vote above.
3. Latest opinion poll findings and ‘End the Silence’ Campaign ()
[link removed]
In November, the Pro Life Campaign launched a comprehensive report ([link removed]) on the new abortion regime called Ireland's Abortion Law: End the Silence. The PLC also published the findings of recently commissioned Amárach Research ([link removed]) opinion polls showing that 89% of people support women being informed about alternatives before proceeding with an abortion, while 77% of the public back the abortion law being amended to ensure that babies who survive the abortion procedure are given medical care.
The report and poll findings were launched in anticipation of the Government’s upcoming three-year review of the abortion law. It’s encouraging to see the high level of public support for the measures being put forward by the pro-life side. In 2022, an intensified grassroots led campaign is needed to pressure the Government to acknowledge the latest poll findings during the Three Year Review of the abortion law, and to make room at the decision making table for the inclusion of pro-life perspectives so that positive alternatives to abortion can be prioritised to help reduce Ireland’s spiralling abortion rate which has shown a 70% increase in abortions in just two years.
Here’s a short video from the day of the press launch of the ‘End the Silence’ Campaign above.
4. Parliamentary Questions (PQs) unearthing truth about abortion law ()
Pro-life TDs have done incredible work in 2021 in holding the Government to account for the new abortion law. Their work in putting questions to the Minister for Health and asking Parliamentary Questions confirmed the following: That over €20 million of taxpayers’ money was spent on abortion provision in the first two years of the law taking effect; that gruesome D&E late-term dismemberment abortions are happening despite promises that they would never occur; the Minister for Health and HSE refused to deny that babies have survived the abortion procedure and been left to die alone unaided; confirmation from the HSE that doctors who carry out abortions have been given no official training in pregnancy counselling or on how to advise women seeking information about alternatives prior to an abortion; HSE confirmed they're not collecting data on complications linked to 'DIY' at home abortions that are happening with government approval during the Covid period.
These are just some of the answers received to parliamentary questions submitted. The following TDs deserve special mention for the questions they put to the Minister for Health during 2021: Carol Nolan, Peadar TóibÃn, Sean Canney, Éamon Ó CuÃv, Mattie McGrath, Peter Fitzpatrick and Michael Collins.
5. Three-day-waiting period is saving lives ()
The information contained in a recent reply to a parliamentary question shows that of a total of 8,057 initial consultations for access to abortion in 2020, 6,577 women subsequently went through with having an abortion that particular year.
Thus, the data shows that a very significant 1,480 women changed their mind during the three-day waiting period, between the first consultation and subsequent meeting with their doctor.
It is hard evidence that the three-day waiting period is clearly saving lives and should be retained. It’s thanks again to the pro-life TDs that this information has come to light as a result of their questions to the Minister for Health.
6. Hopes raised in US for pro-life Supreme Court victory ()
2022 could very well be the year that Roe v. Wade is overturned in the US, signalling a huge pro-life victory. The Supreme Court is currently considering Dobbs v. Jackson, the Mississippi case that challenges Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalised abortion in the United States.
The decision in Dobbs v. Jackson is expected before the end of June. Whatever the court decides, it will have huge ramifications for the right to life of unborn babies. The make-up of the Supreme Court has undergone enormous changes in recent years and currently sits at a 6-3 conservative majority. Let’s hope and pray that the court delivers a resounding pro-life judgment.
7. Community Connect - Supporting mothers and babies ()
Community Connect provides a vital lifeline to expectant mums and new parents. In the past year alone, it has made over 850 unique visits to families in need, helping new parents and women experiencing unplanned pregnancies who are struggling with the question about how they will provide for their baby.
Community Connect exists to help answer this question with practical, material supports so that mums and parents feel more secure and supported in bringing their baby into the world.
It has ten active locations around the country where people can donate baby items and parents in need can access them. It has over 35 key volunteers and 180 people who have signed up to help knit baby items.
Along with groups like Gianna Care, Community Connect is doing phenomenal work and making a real difference. We all need to lend a hand in 2022 to help grow this vital outreach even more!
8. Good news as euthanasia bill rejected ()
The decision by the Oireachtas Committee on Justice not to progress Gino Kenny's 'Dying With Dignity' Bill was a positive development that happened in July.
Even though Kenny’s bill was approved at Second Stage in the Dáil in October 2020 by 81 votes to 71, quite a number of TDs who voted for it at Second Stage, including members of the Justice Committee, subsequently expressed reservations about the bill and the difficulties associated with introducing a law in this area that wouldn’t pressure people in vulnerable situations to opt for euthanasia.
It was significant as well that over 2,500 doctors signed a petition expressing their opposition to the bill - including a large number of specialists in end-of-life care.
Despite these positive developments, this debate is far from closed. The media are continuing to push hard for a change in the law to permit suicide and Gino Kenny has indicated that he plans to introduce a redrafted euthanasia bill soon.
Those who’ve worked tirelessly and led the fight against assisted suicide/euthanasia over the past year, most notably Hope Ireland, deserve massive praise. They are ensuring that the public is informed of all the facts and the truth of what has happened in countries that introduced assisted suicide/euthanasia.
9. Tackling media bias on abortion ()
[link removed]
In June, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland partially upheld two complaints against Newstalk for their continued biased coverage of the abortion issue.
The BAI decision related to two separate interviews conducted on the same day (10th December 2020) on Newstalk’s Breakfast presented by Ciara Kelly and the Hard Shoulder presented by Mark Cagney.
Newstalk was forced to read out on air apologies during the offending morning and afternoon pregrammes, referencing the BAI rulings and the fact that both presenters (Ciara Kelly and Mark Cagney) expressed partisan views on abortion.
The BAI should have gone further and fully upheld the complaints, given how biased and over the top both programmes were in their coverage. But a partial win is still welcome.
The Pro Life Campaign ran several initiatives in 2021 to put pressure on RTÉ to give fairer coverage on the abortion including an email campaign to Director General of RTÉ. The interventions of several TDs and Senators on the issue was particularly helpful. We need to see a lot more of that in 2022. The statistics regarding the extent of the bias are truly shocking and need a much bigger spotlight to stand any chance of effecting change. This issue will remain a priority in the New Year.
Watch contribution from Senator Rónán Mullen in the Seanad, where he raises questions about continuing to pay the TV licence in light of RTÉ’s relentless bias on the abortion issue above
.
10. Future Leaders Programme ()
Since its establishment just over two years ago, the Future Leaders Programme has completed seven courses in Dublin, Galway and online (involving over 30 weeks of talks, presentations and interactive seminars), producing more than 40 alumni.
During 2021, courses were conducted online on account of Covid but it’s hoped to return to in-person sessions in 2022.
The FLP is playing a pivotal role in equipping and training the next generation of pro-life leaders in Ireland. It is a hugely important initiative and the Pro Life Campaign is committed to ensuring it develops and thrives in the coming years.
Follow us on social media!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
mailto:[email protected]
[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 © 2021 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
24 Mount Street Upper
Dublin 2
Dublin, Co. Dublin D02 R229
Ireland
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.
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- Sender: Pro Life Campaign
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