For the HSE to negatively characterise these sincere people as somehow disingenuous simply because they do not offer information on abortion is highly unfair – Mulroy
In reply to a parliamentary question asked by Deputy Michael Collins, the HSE wrote on 4th April that a sign of a ‘disingenuous organisation’ is one which offers ‘advice and supports that do not include information on abortion services.’
Responding to this, Pro Life Campaign spokesperson Eilís Mulroy said:
“It’s wrong for the HSE to dismiss any pregnancy counselling agency which openly has a pro-life ethos as being ‘disingenuous’ and to imply its intentions are designed to somehow ‘trick’ women. Many people are involved in helping women in unplanned pregnancies by providing them with advice and information on how to continue with their pregnancy. This is done openly and transparently. For the HSE to negatively characterise these sincere people as somehow disingenuous simply because they do not offer information on abortion, which profoundly conflicts with their ethics, is highly unfair.
“The HSE MyOptions service is not up to scratch in offering women information on alternatives to abortion, as illuminated in a study published in 2022.* Last year there were 8,500 abortions, the highest number on record. The government has shown no interest in offering women positive alternatives to abortions, which has left the job to fall to professional private volunteers who are motivated by goodwill and a desire to help women. To mischaracterise their work as ‘disingenuous’ is itself disingenuous.”
Responding to the answer he received to his parliamentary question, Deputy Michael Collins said:
“I was disappointed to learn the HSE’s definition of a ‘disingenuous’ pregnancy organisation would include any that do not offer information on abortion. An openly pro-life counselling service should not be smeared in this way simply because it adheres to a life-affirming ethos which rejects the claim that abortion is healthcare.
“Pro-life counsellors across this country know that abortion takes a human life, and for this reason they are motivated to provide women in unplanned pregnancies with positive supports and alternatives to abortion. As is evident from the startlingly high abortion rate of 8,500 last year, the government is failing to provide women in unplanned pregnancies with those much needed supports and other services.”
Ends
* https://studentsforlife.ie/
Note to Editors
Please find a copy of the parliamentary question reply attached to this e-mail here