The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘Together for Yes’ campaign launched in Killarney
THE Kerry Together for Yes campaign has kicked off in earnest this week and volunteers will be out in force over the coming weeks campaigning on why they believe a yes vote is necessary on May 25.
Paula Deenan of Kerry Together for Yes, said that a Yes vote is needed so that “women can receive the compassionate healthcare they need here at home”. She was one of several speakers at the official Kerry launch of ‘Together for Yes’ which took place on Monday evening in The Brehon Hotel, Killarney.
Together for Yes is the national civil society campaign to remove the 8th Amendment.
“We are delighted to launch the Kerry Together for Yes campaign. Our volunteers across the county are out having conversations with people, at information stalls and canvassing, about why a yes vote on May 25 is necessary.”
“The response we’re hearing from people is that they want change. They want Ireland to care for every woman whether she decides to have an abortion or continue with her pregnancy. We’re looking forward to an energetic, compassionate and respectful campaign over the next seven weeks.”
Key speakers at the event also included: Dr Mary Favier, Doctors for Choice; Dr Siobhán Donohue, Chairperson of Terminations for Medical Reasons (TFMR) and medical doctor; Ailbhe Smyth, Co-Director of Together for Yes; and Paula Dennan, Kerry Together for Yes.
Co-Director of Together for Yes, Ailbhe Smyth also addressed the launch and said that women should be allowed to make their own personal choice.
“The 8th Amendment harms women and it needs to be removed. We need to create a caring and compassionate environment for women in Ireland who are in crisis pregnancy situations, for example women who become pregnant as a result of rape. They should be allowed to make personal, private decisions about their health under the care of their own doctors, and with the support of their families. Women need care and compassion. Voting yes will make this happen.”