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Positively Protecting Life
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The recentLaw ReformCommissionReporton AdvancedCare Directives has implicationsfor legal protectionof the righfto-lifeof the ill and elderly. HealthMinister,Mary Harneyhas reiteratedher intentionto regulateIVF in linewith the governmentappointedCommissionon AssistedHuman Reproductionwhich voted24 to 1 in favourof destructiveresearchon tl
livinghumanembryos. Recommendations reducingprotection for humanlife in its vulnerable moments,at life'sbeginningor ending,mustbe resolutely opposed.
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Concern,and even outrage,among pro-lifesupportersat certain governmentdecisionsis understandable. Frustration and impatience must not, however,becomepart of the problem. Insteadwe must engagelegislators on lifeissues,with respect, well-informed commentand feasiblealternatives. lf we commit to this approachit will greatlyimproveour chances. Thereis also an onus on politicians not to shirktheirresponsibility on these vital matters.There is no true democracywheneverthe right-to-life is threatened.Democracydependson trust betweenpoliticiansand people.Pollsshowthat life issuesreflectpeople'sdeepestvalues. The successfulintervention of Gay MitchellMEP and othersin preservingthe pro-lifeethos of the EuropeanPeople'sParty(EPP) is a commendable exampleof genuineefforton the partof some politicians. The very positivepublicresponseto the Pro-LifeCampaign'sYourVote Mattersinitiative,duringthe recentEuropean/local elections,indicatesa growingawarenessamong the electorateof the importanceof only voting for candidatesand oartiescommittedto protectinghuman life.