Latest: Anti-abortion campaigners defend proposed use of graphic images in protests

Latest: Anti-abortion campaigners have defended their proposed use of graphic images in protests scheduled for Dublin and Cork airports.

Update 5.06pm: Anti-abortion campaigners have defended their proposed use of graphic images in protests scheduled for Dublin and Cork airports.

The placards show abortion imagery and also encourage women travelling for an abortion to stop and not get on their flight.

The airports have stated no demonstrations will be allowed on their grounds but the Irish Centre For Bio-Ethical Reform says they will protest outside the properties.

Jean Simonis Engela from the ICBR claims the images they plan to use are necessary.

"We agree that these are people that are in a very vulnerable state, their abortion vulnerable, and they are being preyed upon - not by us - but by the abortion industry.

"If the abortion industry started showing these images inside the clinics we would stop doing what we need to do.

"It's precisely because they won't dare to show these images which establish the humanity of the pre-born and the inhumanity of abortion that we have to stand in the gap," he said.

Update 2.40pm: The Coalition to Repeal the 8th says the decision by anti-abortion campaigners to protest at airports is unacceptable.

The Irish Centre for Bio-Ethical reform says it will go ahead with demonstrations outside Dublin and Cork airports, aimed at convincing women not to travel for an abortion.

That is in spite of the DAA saying it doesn't allow any type of protests at airports.

Ailbhe Smyth, from the Coalition to Repeal the 8th, says that everyone respects each activist group's right to protest however, the chosen location is the problem

She said these protests were being used to intimidate people.

"That will only cause, and can only cause, greater distress and stress to women who are travelling to Britain for reproductive healthcare services," said Ms Smyth.

Earlier: Dublin and Cork Airports are to ban anti-abortion protests that were due to take place in the coming weeks.

The demonstrations, organised by the Irish Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform, were to involve the use of placards with graphic images, aimed at convincing women not to travel for an abortion.

Under bylaws, any protests or distribution of leaflets or pamphlets at airports are prohibited unless the airport gives permission.

The Irish Centre for Bio-ethical Reform website still carries a call for volunteers and funding for the 'Airport Education Project' protests.

The date range given is Saturday, July 29 to Sunday August 13 at Dublin and Cork Airports and in the city centres.

It asks for up to eight volunteers to help with 'display', and others with experience in photography, video and graphic design.

A statement on the planned protests adds: "This sort of strategy will ultimately need dedicated volunteers to be supported financially to work at this full time."

An image of the graphics work by the Irish Centre for Bio-ethical Reform. Other images on their site carry captions saying they are of live and aborted foetuses.