Niamh Uí Bhriain A leading pro-life activist has criticised information provided in a fact sheet outlining the implications of the planned referendum on the repeal of the Eighth Amendment in Ireland, arguing that it is the product of a “political campaigning tool”.
Commenting on the information published by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (IOG) of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, pro-life campaigner Niamh Uí Bhriain said: “It is extraordinary to see some obstetricians discussing this issue without making any reference at all to protecting pre-born babies, when these doctors are generally required to always consider the two people in their care – both mother and baby.”
She added that it increasingly seems that the institute is being used as a political campaigning tool by doctors who are in favour of legalising abortion, and whose involvement in the campaign is driven by their personal views.
Information
She said that the political motivation is evident in the language being used in the information sheet, which refers to “fatal foetal abnormalities” – a phrase used by abortion campaigners which is not a medical term, and noted that the information sheet which claims that abortion on disability grounds has been “specifically excluded” is untrue.
“The heads of bill do not specifically exclude abortion on disability grounds, and abortion is permitted for any reason at all in the first three months of a baby’s life. Abortion is allowed for severe disability – for life-limiting conditions – right up to birth,” she said.
Mrs Uí Bhriain has urged all voters to become “fully informed” about the repeal of the Eighth Amendment and all of the facts in relation to abortion.