Leitrim group attend Rally for Life to “hold the government to account” on abortion

A group of Leitrim pro-life activists attended the Rally for Life in Dublin last weekend in order to 'hold the government to account' on the spiralling abortion rate - and to call for the three-day wait before abortion to be retained.

Organisers say 10,000 people took part in the Rally, billed as the largest pro-life event of the year, with a march through Dublin's city centre and speeches at Custom House Quay.

The pro-life gathering takes place in the context of what was described by pro-life groups as a “steep and disturbing” rise in the number of abortions taking place in Ireland, with figures from the Department of Health confirming a significant jump in numbers.

“We now know that the abortion numbers jumped 22% last year,” Leitrim activist Bernie O Hara said.

“There were 8,156 abortions in 2022 - up from an estimated 6,700 the previous year” she said.

“There are also calls for the 3-day wait before abortion to be scrapped - even though about 4,000 women between 2019-2022 did not return for an abortion after the 3 day period of reflection,” she added.

“Why would anyone want to increase the number of abortions? Why not give women time to think - and help women to have their babies instead?

“One of the messages coming from the Rally is that TDs are being reminded that they promised voters in 2018 that the 3-day wait would be a 'safeguard' - and that the pro-life movement is reminding voters that scrapping that provision would be a breach of promise to voters,” she said.

Amongst those addressing the rally this year was Consultant Obstetrician Dr Trevor Hayes, who says that pro-life medical professionals will not be bullied into providing abortions.

Doctors for Life said that any move to scrap the 3-day wait period would “not only be a betrayal of voters, but worse still, a dereliction of duty to mothers and babies.”

Down Syndrome activist, Conor O'Dowd, also addressed the Rally, saying to sustained applause: “I love my life. People with Downs Syndrome can do anything. I am here today to speak up for the babies! I’m here to fight abortion!”