Family & Life

AI’s Links with IFPA Queried as Protests Mark Irish Section’s AGM : 15th Nov 07

AI Refuses to Clarify Stance on Abortion—Links with IFPA/Planned Parenthood Highlighted

Present and former members of Amnesty International (Ireland) protested over its new abortion policy at the organisation’s AGM, which was held recently in Cork. Over 40 people protested outside the meeting with placards condemning Amnesty’s pro-abortion position. Placards read: “Amnesty has betrayed its mission, its dependants, and its supporters"; "No amnesty for the unborn"; "If life is a Human Right, why is Amnesty seeking Abortion".

Much anger was displayed during the meeting over the mixed messages on the subject of AI’s new pro-abortion stance Amnesty’s given by Noeleen Hartigan, spokeswoman and Programme Director. She had previously stated that the Irish branch of AI would not campaign actively for abortion. Members who had sought clarification on this vital “opt out” issue, however, were not given any.

Also at the AGM, Ms Hartigan confirmed that she was the same Noeleen Hartigan who had been Chairperson of Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA), a member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation.

She said there was no conflict of interest and the Executive Committee of AI was aware of this.The question, which had been put by a member, as to why members were not informed, was not answered. Donal O’Driscol. Ray McIntyre.

Amnesty’s New Pro-Abortion Policy

Amnesty have done much good work over the years. They have brought abuses of human rights by governments to the attention of those governments and to the public, and sought redress.

They have not done anything on the plight of the unborn child, on the reasonable ground that financial and logistical considerations largely prevented this.

However, a new policy has now been adopted by AI. This means that they will campaign for abortion "rights" in certain circumstances. This is based on the rape of women in Darfur, but can be applied in a wide range of circumstances in any jurisdiction.

The change of policy is a radical one, and changes the character of Amnesty, from being one concerned with abuses of human rights, to being just another lobby group campaigning for abortion.

For instance, how would AI now propose … to take the life of the unborn child without involving racism, torture and the death penalty?

This change in policy will result in a loss of credibility, to the detriment of those depending on AI to alleviate their suffering.

It would also put AI in conflict with those endeavouring to assert the right to life of unborn children. To carry out their new mission - itself an abuse of a human right, the right to life – AI will be a party to putting opponents into jail. AI is a group that prides itself – often rightly – in getting people out of jail.

The Irish Section of AI, while supporting the new policy, will not, they say (in one newspaper report), be campaigning for abortion in this country. It is not known how long this view will prevail.

AI Ireland is not going to change AI policy. On the contrary, there seems a possibility that the Irish branch will ultimately join in such a campaign. AI Ireland should now: Sever all connections with Amnesty International, or, 2. Disband.

As neither of these courses is likely to be taken, members should resign and seek other organisations to convey their views on abuses of human rights.

It might be noted that AI Ireland was founded by Seán McBride. McBride held definite pro-life views, and was clear in his support for the 1983 pro-life amendment. It would be a travesty if AI Ireland were now to support, even tacitly, the deliberate taking of unborn human life. Issued by Donal O’Driscoll (former AI member).

Send this news story to a friend

Family & Life

AI’s Links with IFPA Queried as Protests Mark Irish Section’s AGM : 15th Nov 07

Recent Topics