Top 10 Pro-Life Actions Of 2013
As we approach Christmas and the New Year, take a minute to look back - and forward - to what you achieved for the protection of Life.
Top 10 Pro-Life Actions of 2013
Dec. 19, 2013
As we approach Christmas and the New Year, take a minute to look back - and forward - to what you achieved for the protection of Life.
No 10: Our pro-life messages reached the public an astonishing 27 million times in 2013
This year, more than ever, the pro-life message needed to be heard in the public square. And it was, to enormous effect.
The nationwide advertising and information campaigns produced by Life Institute and Youth Defence reached the Irish people an astonishing 27 million times in 2013.
Using billboards, newspaper adverts, information drives, videos, web campaigns and more, the central truth in the abortion debate - that abortion kills children and hurts women - was brought home to the public again and again.
Making the pro-life message heard despite an aggressively pro-abortion media is an achievement in itself - and the messaging had a huge impact.
Opinion polls showed that public support switched back to the pro-life position - with one poll showing more than 77% of people wished to protect the unborn child.
If there had been a referendum on the legislation, abortion would not have been legalised. As things stand, a more informed and aware electorate serves as an important basis to bring Ireland back to life.
No 9: The evidence showed abortion does not treat suicide - and is never necessary
Our campaign on abortion and suicide used the evidence of medical experts to offer the compelling proof that abortion is not a treatment for suicide.
The key impacts in the campaign were:
Reaching the public almost 7 million times with powerful newspaper adverts, and opinion pieces written by experts such as Dr Seán Ó Domhnaill.
Gaining 150,000 views on a compelling video message presenting the expert evidence.
Bringing the medical evidence to the fore in media debates
RESULT: Support for abortion on suicide grounds fell from 85% to 40% in the polls
No 8: 700 doctors sign Dublin Declaration
The Dublin Declaration, which states that abortion is never medically necessary, has now gone global.
It's been signed by more than 700 doctors and medical practitioners worldwide and is fast becoming a hugely significant global document.
Some of Ireland's top maternal healthcare experts have signed the Declaration including Professors John Bonner and Eamon O'Dwyer.
No 7: Pro-life victories in the European Union
Two major victories to end the year well:
Almost 1.9 MILLION people signed the One of Us petition urging the EU to protect the human embryo. A huge thanks is due to all of you who worked so hard with us to ensure that Ireland not only met her quota but exceeded http://www.oneofus.eu/situation-per-country/ it by more than 20%.
The Estrela report, which sought to establish abortion as a 'right' across the EU, was defeated in the EU Parliament. Again, well done to you all for contacting your TDs and speaking up.
Together we will bring Ireland back to Life!
No 6. 40 TDs and Senators oppose the Abortion Bill
We recognise the decency and courage of the 40 TDs and Senators who voted against the Abortion Bill. They deserve our admiration and support in 2014 and beyond.
No 5: Mothers of terminally ill unborn babies speak up for LIFE
As a new push intensified for abortion of babies with seriously disabilities, more and more mothers began to speak out for Life.
Women whose babies had suffered anencephaly or other disorders explained that their babies were loved and cherished, and that every moment spent with them was special. Their babies, how every short their existence, had a right to life.
Their voices were heard on TV and radio, and their love shone through.
Tanya says: " Even though I miss Lillie so much, I’m glad I got to say hello to her, and hold her, and not just terminate her life as suggested. She is my beautiful angel, and I wouldn't change her for anything,".
No 4. Life Institute research reveals truth that can't be ignored
Abortion campaigners like to make up their own facts - such as their claim that 1200 Irish women seek abortion every year for 'fatal abnormalities'.
Research by the Life Institute cut right through the spin with the truth: that the figure was actually 36 in 2011.
The Independent and others picked up on that truth. Let's continue to make sure the truth can't be ignored in 2014! Help the Life Institute in their ongoing research projects.
See the article in the Irish Independent here: www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/niamh-ui-bhriain-parents-deserve-truth-about-fatal-foetal-abnormalities-29781534.html
No 3: 33 babies saved at the abortion agency door
The best Christmas news this year is that 33 beautiful babies and mothers were saved from abortion - right at the abortion referral clinic door.
These are babies whose mothers were in dire straits. Fear and panic had brought them to the abortion agency in Dublin. But there, at the door of this referral clinic, they met Gianna Care volunteers who reached out with love.
Instead of an abortion in Britain, real help was offered. And real support and compassion for both mother and child.
And so thirty three babies are alive today. Isn't that the best news possible this Christmas?
Now let's make sure that good news can continue.
No 2: 60,000 Rally for Life - the biggest in Irish history
No-one will ever forget the day when Dublin came to a standstill as 60,000 pro-life marchers took part in the Rally for Life.
It was the largest, most colourful and most impactful, pro-life Rally ever held in Ireland, and took more than an hour and a half to pass by the Spire in O'Connell Street.
Organised by Youth Defence with Precious Life, the tremendous display of pro-life unity will strengthen our resolve as we work to bring Ireland back to Life.
No 1: 100,000 people sign up for Life and pledge to make a difference
In a year when we worked and rallied and fought for Life, we also gathered a huge grassroots network to bring Ireland BACK to Life.
100,000 people - a simply enormous amount of voters - signed a pledge not to vote Fine Gael ever again if the party legalised abortion. Now those people are looking for a real alternative and a way forward.
2014 looks to be an interesting year. Be part of it with us to protect mother and baby.
Happy Christmas!
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