Chai Brady
In one of the biggest pro-life demonstrations ever in Ireland, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of the capital to call for a ‘No’ vote in the upcoming abortion referendum.
Demonstrators of all ages, from across Ireland, marched from Parnell Square to Merrion Square to advocate for the retention of the Eighth Amendment last Saturday.
A medical practitioner, several campaigners and politicians took to a stage set up beside Merrion Square Park to talk about the referendum, set for May, when voters will be asked whether they want to retain Article 40.3.3 which gives constitutional protection to the unborn.
At the rally Dr Judy Ceannt, a GP and relative of 1916 leader Eamonn Ceannt, said that “they have not even consulted us doctors. The basic law that governs our actions as doctors is first do no harm. We are not meant to intentionally kill or harm any patient, least of all the most helpless: the unborn baby. The Government has no right to impose this on us.
“The 1916 Proclamation promises to ‘cherish all the children of the nation equally’, surely that includes our youngest and most vulnerable citizens, the helpless baby in the womb.”
The Oireacthas Committee that was set up to advise on the issue has recommended unrestricted access to abortion for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and at any point if there is a risk to the life or health – physical or mental – of a woman.