A lunchtime protest against the Government’s plans to legislate for abortion was staged at Castlebar’s Market Square on Wednesday.
Nine protesters stood behind a long banner with the words: Say No To Abortion printed on it as well as a Mayo flag.
All members of the local community, the protesters’ message was very clear - “There is no need to legislate for abortion,” according to their spokesperson Claire Philbin.
Ms Philbin told the Mayo Advertiser that there are provisions in the Constitution which protect the life of the mother and unborn child and as a result there is no need for any more legislation.
She added: “There is enough propaganda on television and in the newspapers and people are very confused. It is good to have proper balanced discussions about the issue.”
It was the protesters’ wish that there would be a large contingent from Mayo at the forthcoming Vigil of Hope in Dublin’s Merrion Square on January 19. Ms Philbin said they are hoping to double the numbers who attended the last vigil where 10,000 anti abortion activists turned up. Transport will be provided from most parts of the county with information and sign up sheets available in churches and due to be handed out in Castlebar at lunchtime tomorrow (Saturday, January 12 ).
Ms Philbin said a woman should always be protected if her life is in danger, adding that this is already being done in Irish hospitals on a daily basis.
“Doctors are professionals and know what to do. We should trust them. If they don’t know what to do they have the Medical Council guidelines to follow,” Ms Philbin said.
The spokesperson cited a Finnish study which found that women are six times more likely to commit suicide after having an abortion than if they decide to have a child. She added that women are 83 per cent more likely to suffer from depression and other mental health problems after an abortion.
“The problem is we don’t have enough counselling and support structures in place for women in a crisis pregnancy situation,” added Ms Philbin.
It was her claim that a lot of countries which legalised abortions in limited instances are now regretting their decision.
Ms Philbin, who accused the Government of breaking pre-election promises, has contacted An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister of State Michael Ring to raise her concerns. Both politicians’ secretaries said they would pass on her concerns.
This week An Taoiseach said Ireland was not allowing abortion on demand. According to US newspaper Irish Central he said: “What the Government is about here is setting in place a framework and a process so that legal certainty will apply to medical personnel who have to make decisions where the life of a mother is threatened, and also to introduce regulations that restrict a move towards abortion on demand, particularly in the case where suicide is involved.”
On Monday Pope Benedict expressed his dismay at the Government’s plans to introduce new abortion legislation. He said: “I must note with dismay that, in various countries, even those of Christian tradition, efforts are being made to introduce or expand legislation which decriminalises abortion.
“Direct abortion, that is to say willed as an end or as a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law.
“In affirming this, the Catholic Church is not lacking in understanding and mercy, also towards the mother involved.”
