Pro-choice lobby accused of making false claims

LAW lecturer Jennifer Schweppe (April 22) claimed members of the Oireachtas have “abjectly failed in their constitutional duty” by not introducing legislation to make abortion available in Ireland.

Her comments were in response to the case being taken to the European Court of Human Rights by three women who argue they were denied access to abortion in this country.

Pro-choice advocates routinely claim non-availability of abortion in Ireland puts women’s lives at risk. Not only are such claims false, it is a fact that Ireland without abortion is a world leader in caring for pregnant women.

The latest international findings published in 2007 show Ireland is first in the world out of 171 countries in protecting women’s lives during pregnancy. Britain and the US, with abortion on demand, have a much poorer record when it comes to maternal mortality.

Those seeking to promote abortion in Ireland also refuse to grasp the seriousness of several recent peer-reviewed studies showing the potential long-term negative consequences of abortion for women. These studies are backed up by the testimony of women in groups like Silent No More who regret their abortions. We need an honest and informed debate on this most sensitive issue which seeks to protect human life — not end it. It is the very least we owe to expectant mothers and their unborn children.

Dr Ruth Cullen

Pro-Life Campaign

Lr Baggot Street

Dublin 2