Fine Gael has betrayed the trust of electorate

Fine Gael’s refusal to honour its pre-election commitment not to introduce abortion legislation is a betrayal of the trust of the Irish electorate, and a sad day for mothers, fathers and babies.

For the first time in the history of the State, an Irish Government has put forward legislation which will permit the direct and intentional taking of an innocent human life.

This is very disturbing. The recent report on the Oireachtas hearings on abortion shows that abortion is not an appropriate treatment for suicidal ideation. Yet, despite this, and Fine Gael’s 2011 promise not to legalise abortion, the party has given in to Labour demands instead of the needs of women and babies.

The Government has no mandate from the people to introduce abortion. The rejection of the referendums on abortion in 1992 and 2002 were not an endorsement of the inclusion of suicide as grounds for abortion. The 1992 proposal was opposed by virtually all the pro-life groups, while the 2002 wording faced some pro-life opposition. The pro-life rejection was in relation to concerns that the wordings did not adequately protect the right to life of the unborn child.

Abortion violates the most basic human right, the right to life, of the unborn baby. Reversing the X case ruling by way of referendum is the only way to ensure full protection of life during pregnancy.

Mary O’Byrne

Galway For Life

Galway