THE LABOUR Party has been accused by the Pro-Life campaign (PLC) of “ignoring the hurt that abortion causes women”, following its weekend conference.
Labour delegates passed a TCD motion, amended by the Rathmines branch in Dublin South East, calling for a more liberal abortion regime.
It noted the legislative void preventing constitutionally mandated, safe and legal terminations of pregnancy and supported the longer-term need for legal abortion on grounds wider than risk to life or health.
Yesterday, PLC spokeswoman Dr Ruth Cullen said those who spoke in favour of the motion had tried to imply that legislation would safeguard women’s lives.
“In fact, the motion was about seeking abortion on demand,” she added.
Dr Cullen said supporters of the motion should know that Ireland, without abortion, was the safest country for pregnant women and that there was a clear distinction between necessary medical treatment in pregnancy and direct abortion, the aim of which was to end the baby’s life.
“Repeatedly, figures from the United Nations on maternal mortality show that Ireland is a world leader in this area,” she added.
“Yet instead of celebrating this achievement, pro-abortion campaigners distort the facts.”
Dr Cullen said that, increasingly, research showed abortion was a leading risk factor for increased mental health problems for women.
