Following hard on the heels of Ireland’s recently approved abortion
legislation the Health Services Executive (HSE) Crisis Pregnancy Programme
(formerly the Crisis Pregnancy Agency) has announced another series of masterclasses
supposedly for the support of an unplanned pregnancies but which focuses on abortion under the title termination of pregnancy.
The so-called
masterclasses have been arranged in conjunction with the Department of Adult
Education at NUI Maynooth.
The HSE is now under the direction of Tony O’Brien a former
Chief Executive of the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA), which is an affiliate
of International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), one of the largest
abortion providers in the World.
Two of the masterclasse sessions 1 and 2, dealing with
counselling and advanced counselling skills will be held in both Maynooth and
Cork whilst sessions 3 and 4 dealing with terminations and ethics respectively
will be held in Maynooth only
It is particularly distressing that these masterclasses are
to be held in a University, which for many generations was renowned as a
Catholic University and prepared young men for the priesthood.
A peaceful protest was held in Maynooth when the first
series of masterclasses took place in 2011.
As the organisers refused to allow any of the pro-life people to attend
the event, or even to get within any decent proximity of the meeting-room, it
was then decided to enter the campus – carrying posters and placards – and
circle the building peacefully three times.
Details of the classes are set out below
Masterclass 1
The Law and Crisis Pregnancy Counselling
18 October 2013, 10am – 4.30pm – Maynooth 28 February
2014, 10am – 4.30pm – Cork city This Masterclass will explore the complex area
of law and crisis pregnancy with particular emphasis on minors. The legal
responsibilities concerning crisis pregnancy issues will be covered while
simultaneously recognising the need to provide the best care for the client.
Jenny Bulbulia BL will address the legal issues and Anne McCarthy will
facilitate the group to explore the implications of the law for their practice.
Masterclass 2
Advanced Counselling skills
25 October 2013, 10am – 4.30pm – Maynooth 24 January 2014,
10am – 4.30pm – Cork city This Masterclass provides an opportunity
to explore and practice counseling and therapeutic skills in
crisis pregnancy with
a focus on boundaries, contract setting, trauma and informed
decision making. Participants will build on the skill of listening deeply to
the client’s needs and concerns while mindful of the legal, social and cultural
context. Anne McCarthy, who leads the crisis pregnancy counseling skills course
at NUI Maynooth, will lead the day.
Masterclass 3
Termination: Dealing with complex issues
21 February 2014, 10am – 4.30pm – Maynooth
The experience of termination of pregnancy is rarely if ever
discussed by women or
by the wider society. Professionals will be offered an
opportunity to explore and reflect on the complex issues concerning termination
of pregnancy. Sherie de Burgh, One Family will present this Masterclass. Sherie
has many years of experience
with clients regarding pregnancy and parenting and has
considerable knowledge, compassion and empathy for all concerned.
Masterclass 4
Ethics and supervision
06 June 2014, 10am – 4.30pm – Maynooth
This Masterclass provides an opportunity to explore the
complex dilemmas that working with personally distressing and culturally
sensitive issues can raise. Professor Tim Bond, a leading writer in this field
of ethics and counselling, will create a space for informed and open
conversation to enhance participants’ understanding and to address issues
encountered by practitioners in the field of crisis pregnancy counseling.
