Pro Life activists say they’ll continue to voice their free speech opposition outside abortion providers – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Pro Life activists say they’ll continue to voice their free speech opposition outside abortion providers




Pro Life activists are generally completely friendly, not angry or aggressive in any way. They simply want to protect the lives of unborn babies and are using their democratic rights to voice their opposition.

However, many in the media appear to feel that these people are not entitled to hold such peaceful protests trying to defend life and want to stamp out portests outside abortion providers.

A Health Department official said anti-abortion protests outside abortion services are having a “chilling effect” on doctors.

Department of Health Under-Secretary Muiris O’Connor told the Oireachtas Health Committee that “fear of protest is harming the roll-out of services and just an eighth of GPs are providing abortion services,” reports RTE.

A bill to provide safe access zones to clinics is currently being drafted and is expected to be published later this year.

Social Democrat co-leader Roisin Shortall told the committee that the frequency of the protests is worrying. She said only 413 GPs and 11 out of 19 hospitals provide abortion services, so “we have a very long way to go in terms of provision of services,” reported RTE.

Mr. O’Connor said that the protests disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in society, adding that the Department is aware of the anguish, anxiety and damage caused to people’s health and well-being.

Department of Health bioethics adviser Caitriona Mason told the committee there are some concerns about the “implementability” of powers in chiefs of law and said they are currently engaged in intensive talks with the Attorney General’s Office and An Garda. Síochána around the police.

She said they must be aware of the “proportionality” of the legislation and sanctions, acknowledging that there are “countervailing rights such as freedom of assembly and freedom of expression,” reports RTE.

She said that they have not yet agreed on what the upper limit of the sanctions will be, but the police response will be gradual.

Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane suggested that representatives from An Garda Síochána should be invited to appear before the committee.

“There is consensus on the purpose of the Bill and its intent. But one area we need to get right is policing. We need to hear from gardaí if they believe the powers are enforceable. I would be concerned if we are too broad with our terms we could get into difficulty,” he said, according to RTE.

Bríd Smith of People Before Profit/Solidarity criticized the delay in drafting the legislation.

She said that almost four years after the introduction of abortion there must be an urgency in drafting legislation to provide safe access zones. He said many other countries have similar legislation in place.

She said there is also a need to ensure that labor relations activity is not restricted as a result of the bill.

Caitriona Mason said the Department sought legal advice to ensure strikes and other forms of protest were not affected.

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