As reported in this week's Midland Tribune, the Offaly Prolife meeting in Dooley's Hotel, Birr was told there was "a shocking rise in the number of abortions over the last few years, causing regret among some of those who had voted to repeal the 8th amendment." John Egan, Chair of Offaly Prolife and facilitator of the conversation event welcomed the speakers and all in attendance. He shared apologies from Senator Ronan Mullen and Deputy Carol Nolan T.D. who had hoped to attend but unfortunately were unable to do so due to illness.
The opening speaker, Sile Quinlan of Prolife Campaign told the meeting that "in just five years the numbers have risen from 2,879 to a figure of 10,000 abortions in 1 year." Sile told the meeting that late last year the Master of the Rotunda confirmed that 95% of unborn babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome at the hospital were now aborted, noting with dismay media disinterest in reporting of the matter. She did however see grounds for hope, highlighting the encouraging news that several members of the Oireachtas Health Committee had expressed reservations about the proposal to remove the important 3-day reflection period. This demonstrated, she believed, the importance of meeting with our elected representatives and voting for and campaigning with pro-life candidates in the approaching elections.
Speaking on behalf of GiannaCare, Kate Lawlor provided a glimpse of a typical busy day working to support women who need help. She made the point "that women need real compassion and consistent support rather than being rushed towards abortion" GiannaCare don't just assist mothers in crisis considering abortion, they also help mothers living in a crisis situation and need emotional and practical help ensuring they don't end up out of desperation feeling abortion is their only option.
Niamh Ui Bhriain, Life Institute told the meeting about their "Time to Think"Campaign to keep the 3 day wait period before an abortion. She asked everyone to contact their elected representatives to remind them of the promises they made during the referendum campaign in relation to this important and life saving legal safeguard. Between 2019 and 2021 almost 4000 women did not return for a second consultation for termination after the 3 day reflection period.
Niamh spoke about the impact of the Life Institute Rethink Abortion billboard campaign, urging both TDs and the public to examine the surge in abortion and the other negative outcomes that have accompanied the new regime.
In an inspiring presentation Vicky Wall of Every Life Counts spoke of the lived experience of families where their unborn child has been diagnosed with a life limiting condition. Vicky's daughter Liadan was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 also known as Edwards Syndrome. Liadan was born sleeping at 32 weeks.
"These are precious babies whose lives have infinite value, just like every baby." explained Vicky. "Most do survive beyond birth and there is is such beauty and healing in knowing that all your baby knew was love."
The closing guest speaker was Ben Scallon, Gript Media. Ben spoke of the growing concern among pro life campaigners in relation to the right to assembly and the right to free speech. This is particularly in light of the recently enacted Safe Access Zones legislation and proposed hate speech legislation.
He is, he said, "against any system that only values the mainstream viewpoint and ignores, devalues or persecutes those holding minority viewpoints."
The Offaly Prolife Conversation concluded with thanks from Chair John Egan to the excellent speakers and all who had taken part to support the cause for life.