Anti-abortion graffiti sprayed on GP surgery

A LONGFORD general practice was sprayed with anti-abortion graffiti yesterday.

Longford Medical Centre opened to patients yesterday morning despite the graffiti across its entrance and walls – believed to be the work of anti-abortion activists.

Recent figures show that there are currently 274 GPs and 10 hospitals who have so far signed up to offer terminations across the country.

The National Women’s Council of Ireland had called for a zero tolerance stance to be taken towards any group to tries to intimidate women.

Dr Cliona Loughnane of the NWCI said that safety zone legislation was now ‘more urgent than ever’. ‘The Irish public voted for abortion to be provided in Ireland. This must be like access to any other healthcare procedure,’ she said. A spokeswoman for Health Minister Simon Harris said that it was the intention ‘to have a draft law by this summer’.