Belfast actor James Martin, who has Down syndrome, was highly praised for his starring role in the short film An Irish Goodbye at the Academy Awards. A touching moment was when the Irish star, who was also turning 31, accepted the award and was treated to a rendition of Happy Birthday from his fellow actors and the audience.

James’ father, Ivan, said it was an “amazing feat” for his son. When he was born, doctors doubted that James would ever speak. Ivan joked on BBC Radio Ulster, “so here we are – James not only speaks, once he started speaking he hasn’t shut up since.”

Ivan continued, “All I ever wanted for James was that he’d be happy and, I tell you what, he’s happy now.” His award at the Oscars is a tremendous achievement for the young man and clearly illustrates how much people with Down syndrome can contribute to society.

Well done to James for reminding us all of the positive and significant roles people with disabilities have today. This is important to bear in mind considering some recent irresponsible and anti-life comments regrettably made by a senior Irish medic who should know better.

A 10 March event at the United Nations was hosted on how embracing the Geneva Consensus Declaration advances the well being of women and girls. The successful event highlighted how pro-life policies “safeguard the dignity of women and girls and promotes optimal health outcomes by protecting their emotional and physical well-being.”

It further examined, how “multilateral programs properly focused on holistic primary and maternal health care is what women and girls need most throughout their life cycle.”

The Geneva Consensus Declaration was signed in 2020 by 37 nations at UN-level. It seeks to protect the sovereignty of independent nations, particularly in the developing world, to adhere to pro-life laws. It explicitly seeks to curb the neo-colonial influence of transnational corporations, NGOs, and (Western) governments from pushing pro-abortion policies on the developing world.

The well-attended event at the UN is a positive indication that the Geneva Consensus Declaration is still an important goal of the pro-life movement internationally, despite the setback of the United States’ withdrawal in the aftermath of the accession of the Biden administration to power.

Sign the petition and spread the word!

Over 2,500 people have signed the petition in the past weeks calling for the defunding of the National Women’s Council, the taxpayer funded body leading an aggressive push at present for late-term abortion on request to be legalised.

By signing the petition below, you will be adding your voice to the call to defund the NWCI and start over with something better in its place.

It’s disgraceful the way the NWCI claims to represent ALL women, while completely brushing aside the concerns of women who regret their abortions and the majority of women who want to see alternatives to abortion promoted.

The changes we want to see happen won’t occur overnight but that shouldn’t dissuade us from getting started. Together, we must shine a light on the unfairness of what’s happening in order to bring about change.

The DEFUND petition is off to a great start. Let’s spread the word and keep the momentum going!

When you’ve signed the petition, please share the link with family and friends and encourage them to be part of the effort as well. Thanks for all your help! 

Click here to sign the petition