Can we trust our politicians when it comes to legislating on abortion?

SIR,

SEPTEMBER 18 marked the day the Eighth Amendment was deleted from our constitution. We have handed the decision making forever more to politicians, present and future. I wish to ask, who really trusts politicians?

We have seen high profile politicians previously declare that they were pro-life, only to change their minds and call for unrestricted abortion.

A leaked memo from the Department of Health to the Cabinet in July 2018 revealed that, contrary to the claims of the Government and pro-abortion campaigners during the referendum, the number of Irish women undergoing abortions is expected to rise, once the Government’s new abortion regime comes into force.

In the UK alone, abortions increased by over 600 per cent in the first five years following their abortion act.

Were politicians ignorant of the evidence possessed by the Department of Health or did they try to mislead the public?

During the referendum, I would argue that the negative impact on a mother’s mental health was not fully discussed in debates.

There will be a post abortion helpline and the HSE has awarded €820,000 for this but there is no mention of counselling before abortion to discuss alternatives.

A 12 week gestation for unrestricted abortion is the limit at which a baby can have its life ended. Minister Harris stated: ‘The requirement to certify that the foetus has not reached viability is an effective ban on late term abortions’. (Newstalk 22/5/18).

If there is an immediate risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman, abortion is allowed throughout all nine months, regardless of whether the baby is ill or healthy. (Head 5 updated Bill)

It doesn’t define what constitutes an ‘emergency’ or which ‘health’ grounds. Also, abortion is permitted to full term if the baby is diagnosed with certain serious health conditions that are ‘likely’ to lead to death within 28 days of birth.

No doctor can make such a prognosis with certainty.

There are many discrepancies and empty promises by this Government. Comparisons of the Bills published before and after the referendum, including comments made by various individuals, attest to this.

I believe that the legislation is more liberal in the up-dated Bill.

I agree with former Taoiseach John Bruton when he stated: ‘It will not be a bright Ireland for the little babies who will have their lives ended before being allowed to see the light of a single Irish day’.

Evidence shows certain TD’s have gone back on their word, so I will ask again, who trusts politicians? This is not what we voted for.

Sincerely

Virgilia Killigrew

County Waterford