All pro-life groups that make up Ireland’s pro-life movement united together
and turned out in force today in response to the Irish Government’s recent announcement
that it intends to legislate for abortion in Ireland along the lines of the X
case judgment.
The unprecedented turnout which included 5 Bishops was estimated at being at least
10,000 strong, filled Dublin’s Molesworth Street and a large part of Kildare
Street holding placards and calling on Enda Kenny to 'Keep his Pro-life
Promise' and urging the government to protect both mother and baby.
The groups and many other pro-life individuals came togheter
in order to send an unequivocal message to the Irish Government that
legislation on the X case will lead to abortion on demand and is
"absolutely unacceptable to the Irish people".
.
The candlelight vigil was addressed by Niamh Ui’Bhrian and
Dr Sean O’Domhnaill of the Life Institute, and Caroline Simons of the Pro-Life
Campaign. Other speakers included Cliona Johnson who shared the sad story of
her baby John Paul who suffered from anencephaly and died shortly after birth
"We need to ensure that both our mothers and babies are
best protected by banning abortion," she said. "Clarity is now coming
back to the debate following the hysteria whipped up by abortion campaigners
after Savita's tragic death - and the pro-life majority will want to ensure
that Fine Gael does not move to legislate on the X case".
She said that such legislation would bring Ireland to follow
the British model of abortion provision, and that that regime was
"anathema" to most Irish people.
She warned Enda Kenny that on this issue, the Irish people
"are not for turning" and that there would be political consequences
if Fine Gael broke irs promise and moved to legalise abortion.
See Youth Defence Video clip of the event
See Youth Defence Video clip of the event
Ms Uí Bhriain said that revelations that the Irish Times
article which broke the news of Savita's death may have based on 'muddled'
information was "truly shocking".
"At the Vigil for Life today we remembered Savita and
her baby and, and we mourned the loss of their lives. And we asked that the
media and the political establishment now look at the cynical exploitation of
this tragic death of a young mother, and seek to find the facts."
"The Irish Times story - and it's sensationalist
headline - gave the whole world the impression that Savita Halappanavar died
because she couldn't get an abortion. Now the same journalist is cautioning
that perhaps a termination had not been requested; a little late for caution
now that Ireland's reputation has been destroyed on a global scale."