14/11/2016

Labour Calls For Govt Support On Rogue Crisis Pregnancy Legislation

Labour leader Brendan Howlin is appealing to the Government and all political parties in Dáil Éireann to support legislation designed to tackle the behaviour of rogue crisis pregnancy agencies.

The Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill 2016, which was introduced by Deputy Howlin to the Dáil on the 19 October, has now been selected for debate during Private Members' time next Thursday, 17 November.

The Bill would for the first time, require that those who provide counselling to women experiencing crisis pregnancies be registered and regulated.

The issue is something Labour Women and other groupings have campaigned on for nearly a decade and was highlighted once more earlier this year by two brave young journalists who went undercover to reveal the true extent of what is happening in these agencies.

Deputy Howlin said:"I have written to the leaders of all political parties and groupings in Leinster House, to appeal for their support for the Labour Party's Bill, which is crucial to ensuring that women at a time of exceptional vulnerability, are given the accurate and impartial information they not only deserve, but are entitled to.

"We have heard frightening tales of how women in crisis pregnancy situations have been told that abortion increases their risk of breast cancer, or that those who have had abortions may later go on to be abusers.

"For too long these agencies have been allowed to lie to women in the most grotesque fashion, and it's time we worked together on all sides of the House to put an end to this abuse.

"I hope that the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, will recognise the need to legislate to protect these women during the most difficult of times."

(MH/LM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 August 2008
Third Of Irish Births Outside Marriage
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show a third of Irish babies were born outside marriage last year. The statistics revealed by the CSO detail the death and birth patterns for the whole Sate. According to the figures, over two in five births in 2007 were to first time mothers, with 33% of births outside marriage.
13 December 2016
HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme Officially Opened
The Minister for Health Promotion, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has officially opened Ireland's first HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme conference, marking the first year of the National Sexual Health Strategy (2015-2020), Ireland's first national strategy for sexual health and wellbeing.
02 September 2016
bpas Launches Helpline For Women Using Abortion Pills Bought Online
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (bpas) has launched a free telephone aftercare helpline for women who have bought abortion medication online. The service is being offered for women in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, where access to abortion services is highly restricted.
23 May 2016
Brendan Howlin Appointed New Leader Of The Labour Party
Minister Brendan Howlin has been appointed the new leader of the Labour Party. He said that he was "immensely proud and deeply humble" following the appointment of his new role. Minister Howlin said: "I learnt my politics from two great Wexford men: the former leader of this party Brendan Corish, and my own Dad, John.
08 March 2016
Special Event To Take Place To Highlight The Role Of Women In 1916 Events
A special Ireland 2016 event is to be held today (Tuesday) at Royal Hospital Kilmainham to highlight the role of women in the events of 1916. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, will welcome women from across all sectors of Irish society to the event celebrating International Women's Day.