Reader says Bill would ‘criminalise’ mothers

Contae Ros Comáin

Dear Editor,

The Government is proposing a law to establish exclusion zones within one hundred metres of any GP clinic, maternity hospital, or family planning centre, within which no-one may engage in an activity which could influence someone’s decision to have an abortion. This is not simply about stopping ‘protests’ but would criminalise private conversations and even the ability to set up a stall offering supportive pro-life help to pregnant women who may be contemplating an abortion.

The Bill tries to make some superficial concessions to fundamental rights by explicitly allowing pro-life events outside Leinster House. However, this is a very thin veneer which seeks to mask the draconian and sweeping nature of this legislation. The Bill would cover a massive territory, particularly in compact cities. It would have the effect of even criminalising a mother for having a conversation with her pregnant daughter if she were asking her to consider proceeding with the pregnancy, if that conversation were within one of these sprawling exclusion zones.

This Bill is not about stopping harassment, which is already a criminal offence. Instead, it discriminates against the pro-life viewpoint being expressed in public areas. Five years ago, onethird of those who voted wanted to retain the 8th Amendment, but now their views are being treated as requiring draconian special legislation. This is unacceptable.

Mise le meas, Siobhán

Nic Cathail