SAVE THE DATE:Â Join us and March For Life Ireland in Dublin on May 1, 2023 as we march in response to the report of the Three Year Review of the abortion law. More details to follow, so mark your calendars now!
It was recently reported in the Irish Times that the Minister for Health has now received the report of the three-year review. However, he has stated its findings will not be published until mid-April. This is a significant setback, considering the Minister initially claimed the report would be made available “no later than 7 February 2023 for consideration.”
Minister Donnelly then changed his tune, claiming in mid-February the report would be received by the end of the month. He seemingly only received the report in mid-March, and has long fingered its publication until mid-April. While these significant delays have drawn the ire of abortion campaigners, they suggest that it is not all clear sailing in the Department of Health on this issue.
It was reported that the government will find it difficult to introduce any legislative changes to the current Act, due to the wide acknowledgement that the 2018 referendum was largely carried on the basis of a proposed pre-referendum abortion bill, which included “concessions” such as the three-day period for reflection and the limitation of unrestricted abortion to 12 weeks. Changing any of these aspects of the law would require amending legislation, and would essentially break promises made at the time of the referendum.
The Pro Life Campaign has engaged with the review process insofar as to ensure the government knows that pro-life opinion matters and should be listened to. While there have been many criticisms of the review process, it is important that the pro-life side continues to engage and track these developments and not allow one pro-abortion narrative to drown out other voices.
On 21st March, the mother of a ten-year old boy with Down syndrome in England gave an interview in which she spoke of how she had to fight for her child’s survival. Natalie O’Rourke discussed the challenges but also the wonderful experience of raising her son, Woody.
When she was pregnant, the parents were told their baby would have a high chance of having Down syndrome. At the time, Woody’s father asked if, in the case of a positive diagnosis, they would have “a few weeks” to decide whether or not to have an abortion. The doctor replied that in a case like Down syndrome abortion “is legal right up to birth”. Natalie was shocked and upset to hear this, causing her to leave the room.
Natalie described in the interview how she was pressurized to take a “pathway to termination” and how “no one seemed to consider that I might want [him] to live.” She described how an appointment was made for an abortion with MSI Reproductive Choices. When she expressed that she did not want to proceed with an abortion, the nurse said she would “keep it open for you in case you change your mind.” This pressure from medical professionals and her own family, including her husband.
Thankfully, Natalie opted not to proceed with the abortion and today Woody is a cheerful ten year old boy and Brentford FC’s “biggest fan”. However, Natalie’s story shows the unfortunate structural pressure often brought to bear on women who are uncomfortable with the idea of an abortion.
Canadian twins, Adiah and Adrial Nadarajah, were born four month premature a year ago on 4 March 2022. Weighing just 330 grams and 420 grams respectively at birth, the twin babies were given “zero percent chance of survival” according to doctors.
Mother of the babies, Shakina Rajendram, said in an interview that “When I went into labour, the babies were denied all life-sustaining measures at the hospital I was admitted to and almost left to die”. But the babies beat the odds and have recently celebrated their first birthday.
After six months in the hospital following their birth, the boy and girl were finally allowed to go home with their parents. The baby girl, Adiah, has grown to 18 times her birth weight and was described by her mother as an “extremely happy baby” who “smiles all day long” and has “conversations” with her toys and parents. Her brother, Adrial, has suffered some setbacks but is now said to be “progressing well”. His mum described him as a music lover who is “observant, attentive, and intelligent.”
Our next PLC Network Webinar is fast approaching. The topic of this webinar is Amrita's Abortion Pill Reversal Story with Presenter, TV Broadcaster & Entrepreneur Wendy Grace.
The webinar will also feature a panel discussion on the Government's three year review of Ireland's abortion law.
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!Â
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]
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