Mags GarganPro-life groups have criticised Amnesty International’s latest campaign using celebrities to call for legalising abortion in Ireland.
Graham Linehan, one of the writers of Father Ted, and his wife Helen have collaborated with Amnesty on a short campaign film calling on the Government to repeal the Eighth Amendment. Mrs Linehan had an abortion in 2004 when doctors advised her 11-week-old foetus had no chance of survival.
She described Ireland’s abortion laws as “abusive”. “It is a form of abuse against women. We need to have our own choices,” she said.
Meanwhile, actor Liam Neeson narrates another Amnesty video called Chains in which he describes the Eight Amendment as a “ghost” of the past that “needs to be laid to rest”.
Bernie Smith, of Precious Life, said “Amnesty has now upped the ante using celebrities because they know there is no popular demand or will for the people for abortion”.
“They are hell bent on bringing in abortion in Ireland and it is a shame that a so-called human rights organisation is using tragic stories to advance their campaign,” she said.
Dr Ruth Cullen of the Pro Life Campaign said: “Amnesty is quick to pass judgement on the Eight Amendment but has nothing to say to parents who were pressured to go down the road of abortion and now deeply regret the decision.”