Hundreds of pro-life supporters from all over Ireland travelled to Dublin last weekend for the Pro Life Campaign National Conference.
Organisers were delighted with the turnout, which showed once again that people are willing to travel from all over the country to hear more about how they can get involved in the campaign to defend the 8th Amendment, Ireland’s last remaining constitutional protection for the unborn. Each speaker at the Conference provided a new insight on how this life-saving provision can be protected.
Keynote speaker US Congressman Chris Smith spoke about his experience of helping to mobilize the pro-life movement in the United States. During his talk, he highlighted the often-overlooked fact that the victims of abortion don’t just include the unborn child, but his or her mother, father, siblings and other family members. Speaking on the eve of the UN’s International Day of The Girl Child, he also spoke about how, due to the pressures of the One Child Policy in China, the three most dangerous words are often “It’s a Girl!” because they can meant that the newborn’s life is immediately in danger.
He also acknowledged the proud and effective pro-life tradition in Ireland and how it has provided a beacon of hope for the pro-life movement in other countries. He expressed regret at Ireland’s 2013 abortion law and highlighted that Ireland has had a much safer record than the US in protecting mothers during pregnancy.
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Congressman Smith then went on to say that the laws legalising abortion will one day be defeated. He encouraged those present to stay positive and keep fighting for the protection of every human life. He received a standing ovation after stating that abortion laws will come down just like the Berlin Wall.
Another speaker, Ade Stack, told the story of her son Hugh and how it inspired her to open Hugh’s House in Dublin for parents and families of newly born babies with life limiting conditions. Everyone was deeply impressed by what she has achieved. This achievement is a living answer to those who push for abortion in cases where babies are diagnosed with a life-shortening condition.
Other speakers included journalist Melanie McDonagh who spoke about the importance of freedom of speech when it comes to this issue, and Hilary Francis who talked about how vital it is to provide practical help to families who may be considering abortion. Professor William Binchy and Caroline Simons of the Pro Life Campaign spoke on the importance of ensuring that the protections offered by the 8th Amendment are not “chipped away” by the misleading arguments of the pro-choice movement while LifeNews blogger, and Deputy Chairperson of the Pro Life Campaign Cora Sherlock told the attendees how they could get involved in the new initiatives currently being launched by the Campaign.
As in previous years, there was a real sense of enthusiasm and positivity throughout the day, when attendees had an opportunity to visit various exhibition stands and find out more about the work of the PLC. But perhaps more than ever, they left with a greater sense of purpose to get involved and meet recent challenges so that every human being in Ireland, born and unborn, can continue to enjoy the protection offered by the 8th Amendment.
LifeNews Photo Note: US Congressman Chris Smith (pictured right) with Wendy Grace, Karl Melady and Jacki Ascough at the Pro Life Campaign’s National Conference held in Dublin recently.
