The Donegal Pro Life group will launch its ‘Save the Eighth’ video at a public screening this week in Letterkenny.

 

The group say they have put together the video in response to what they described as a “government’s misrepresentation of the facts” surrounding the Eighth Amendment, which has created confusion among the public. 

 

Chairperson of Donegal Pro Life, Margaret McGeehan said: “Donegal Pro Life therefore considered it vital to address these misconceptions and has produced a video, ‘Save the 8th’ as a tool to make people aware of the positive aspects of the 8th Amendment, and why it is important to retain it. 

 

“All of our society will be affected by removing the Eighth Amendment from the Constitution, especially mothers and babies and all those employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE).”

 

Margaret added: “No other country in the world has ever gone so far as to remove a human right for a whole class of human beings from its Constitution.

 

“There are thousands alive today because of the great benefit of the Eighth Amendment. At least 100,000 lives have been saved by its introduction. Why then should it be removed, and then make it legal to kill some of our future citizens in our local hospitals and GP surgeries?”

 

The Eighth Amendment of the Constitution states: The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws defend that right.

 

The public are invited to attend the launch of the video on Thursday evening in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, at 8pm.

 

The  issue will be decided by a referendum, which is expected to be held towards the end of May. 

 

Last week, some of Donegal’s TDs declared their stance on the issue. 

 

Fianna Fáil’s Pat the Cope Gallagher said he was opposed to removing the protection of the unborn child from the constitution. He does not agree with the 12 week abortion time limit proposal. He said he would like to see the status quo prevail.

 

Independent TD Thomas Pringle has taken the opposite view and backs the repeal of the Eighth Amendment and for abortion to be allowed up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

 

Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty said that while he supports repeal he is not in favour of unrestricted abortion, while Government Chief Whip,

Minister Joe McHugh said he will not be stating his position on repealing the amendment until the draft wording of the referendum is published.

 

Fianna Fáil’s Deputy Charlie McConalogue said he was not in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment.