Wednesday, October 2, 2013

New series of pro-abortion ‘Masterclasses’ to be held in NUI Maynooth


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.
That demonstration by pro-lifers consisted of an impressive crowd of young and old defenders of the unborn who stood on both sides of the main road that runs past an entrance to the National University of Ireland at Maynooth, Co. Kildare, for about two hours – in the sometimes very heavy rain.

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.