On Tuesday I went to watch Choice Ireland present to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health on the issue of rogue crisis pregnancy agencies.
Firstly, let me just complement the Dáil on its fantastic heating system. After three days freezing at home, in the car and in the office I was more than happy to spend an hour in the beautiful warmth. Obviously no cutbacks on the heating bill then.
But I digress. I was very impressed by the professionalism of Choice Ireland (CI) throughout the presentation. The spokesperson for CI on the day was Sinead Ahern who conveyed clearly and concisely the actions of rogue crisis pregnancy agencies, the effect that these agencies have on women and how the state can regulate/monitor this area.
Sean O Fearghail, chair of the committee; Dan Neville, TD; Kathleen Lynch, TD; Jan O Sullivan, TD; Margaret Conlon, TD & Bobby Alyward, TD were the committee members present. Senator Ronan Mullen and Senator Ivana Bacik were also invited to make a presentation to the committee.
All committee members present supported Choice Ireland in their call for regulation in this area, with some members openly appalled at the horrendous deceptive activities such agencies undertake. Some very positive suggestions came forward such as including pregnancy counselling under the Health & Social Professionals Act; creating a licensing system for crisis pregnancy agencies whereby in order to get a license one had to prove best practice in the agency in line with current ethical and medical guidelines as well as the suggestion that any advertisement for pregnancy counselling should carry a clear notice as to whether it is two or three option information provided.
A few moments of entertainment were provided by Senator Mullen (not a member of the committee) who, quite predictably, ignored the topic of the day and tried to bring the issue back to abortion. It was quite clear to see that everyone else in the room had gotten the message – no matter what side of the debate you are on (pro choice or anti choice) agencies which are set up with the sole aim of torturing vulnerable women, agencies that do not have any qualifications to provide medical advice or counselling services, agencies that use false advertising to promote themselves are agencies which must be regulated by the state and which must be sanctioned.
I have to say what I found most interesting about Senator Mullens 6 minute rant (which was interrupted by numerous points of order by members of the committee) was his whole hearted assertion that this information on rogue agencies should be coming from the CPA as Choice Ireland was biased as a pro choice organisation. He obviously does not see the hypocrisy inherent in his comments. The CPA is tasked with reducing the number of abortions sought by Irish women by promoting ‘better’ options, ie parenting and adoption. Yet Senator Mullen seems to be under the illusion that somehow the CPA aren’t biased. Hmmmm
The CPA are aware of these agencies as is the Minister for Health. In fact, Mary Harney has said in the media that she is ‘appalled’ by the existence of such agencies. Her solution – to introduce legislation? No, of course not – that would be far too sensible. Instead the CPA ran a campaign aimed at women calling on vulnerable women in a crisis pregnancy situation ‘not to be manipluated’ because obviously it’s a womans fault if she goes to one of these agencies. *rolls eyes*
In the face of such stupidity, Choice Ireland spoke bravely, openly and sensibly on why these agencies need to be regulated, why they need to face consequences for their actions and why the legislature has a responsibility to follow through on this.
Here’s hoping the members of the committee do more than the Minister for Health on this issue.
