Speakers from the US, England and all over Ireland will take part in a Pro Life Campaign event this Saturday, 4th June in Molesworth Street, Dublin at 3pm. The event, called “Celebrate the 8th” will give a new perspective on the abortion debate in Ireland by focussing on the countless lives saved as a result of the 8th Amendment being in the Constitution.
The keynote speaker at the event is Melissa Ohden, who survived a botched abortion in the US and was left for dead until rescued by a hospital nurse who heard her crying in a corner of the hospital. Today, Melissa has a master’s degree in social science and works as a care worker. Heidi Crowter will also speak at the event on how it feels to be a woman with Down’s Syndrome, watching countries use abortion to screen out unborn babies with the condition. Other speakers who will address the gathering include families from Ireland who say the 8th Amendment had a direct and positive impact on their family.
Speaking about the event, PLC spokesperson Cora Sherlock said:
“The event on Saturday is going to give the public an opportunity to listen to stories that they never get a chance to hear. Stories about people born alive after botched abortions and parents pressured to abort their child cannot be reduced to footnotes in the debate. They ought to be at the front and centre of the debate where the public has a chance to evaluate what really happens in abortion, not just the version that those pushing it would like to present.
“The Pro Life Campaign is delighted to welcome Melissa Ohden and Heidi Crowter to the event on 4th June. Melissa’s story highlights one of the most inhumane aspects of abortion in other countries – the complete lack of care that is shown to babies who survive abortion. Her story is also a stark reminder of what abortion involves – ending the life of an innocent defenceless baby who is so much more than what abortion advocates describe as ‘just a clump of cells.’
“Heidi’s experience as a person with Down syndrome also highlights exactly how unjust abortion is. In her home country of England, abortion is legal up to birth for any disability, including Down’s syndrome. But her beautiful story reminds us why everyone should have the right to be born and live their life to their full potential.
Ms Sherlock concluded: “Whatever side of the abortion debate you fall on, these stories need to be heard. For the first time, the public will get a chance to hear about the human side of the 8th Amendment”