HSE takes action over ‘fake abortion advice site’

THE HSE has brought High Court proceedings against a man who has allegedly set up a misleading website that is similar to its crisis pregnancy service My Options.

Eamonn Murphy has, it is claimed, established a website – www.myoptions.website – which is inappropriately offering scans, trying to convince women not to go ahead with abortions, or berating those who have chosen to do so.

The HSE information and counselling service is the first point of contact between it and the public. Its website, wwwmyoptions.ie, went live late last year, and the phone service started in January.

The HSE claims the website allegedly set up by Mr Murphy contains his phone number, promises a free ultrasound and had at one point hosted a video claiming a link between cancer and abortion, before being removed.

The actions of Mr Murphy, of Finglas Road, Dublin 11, are leading to confusion and damaging the reputation of the HSE’s service, it is alleged.

The HSE called on him to remove or rename the website, but he has failed to do so.

It also seeks an order directing Mr Murphy to transfer the domain name to the HSE, and that he deliver up and destroy all stationery materials bearing the ‘My Options’ brand.

The matter was adjourned to tomorrow.