Hannah Jean Ryan
Chief Copy Editor
Leanna Byrne
Deputy Editor
19:40 Pro-choice activist Sinead Redmond lights a candle for Savita, speaks of ‘fear’ and ‘betrayal’ felt by pregnant women outside of government buildings.
19:27 Hannah Jean Ryan reports: “As crowds disperse, there is a sense of urgency about this issue. Protestors repeatedly talk of ‘seizing the moment’ and a ring now.”
19:25 Another protest will take place next week while the Dáil debates private members bill to give effect to X case.
19:13 One pro-choice supporter says “it was so moving to hear women talk of their experiences. That takes so much courage. This has been kept in the dark too long”.
19:05 Protestors have been given posters and leaflets to take home for the next protest which will take place on Wednesday the 28th. Also, Never Again’- Abortion Rights Now public meeting organised for 8pm in Wynn’s Hotel, Abbey St. tomorrow night, ‘All Welcome’.
19:02 Man reported to have run to the steps of government buildings to begin shouting incoherent fury, while ignoring calls to step down.
18:55 Redmond speaks about ‘Savita’s Laws’ that were established this week. Under these laws they would have legislation to allow for abortions where a pregnant woman’s life is at risk passed immediately, in line with the X Case Supreme Court ruling of 1992 and the subsequent X Case referendum of 1992. It also demands a removal of the 8th amendment, the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861 to be stricken from the books and finally an analysis of the Irish Medical Council to draw up governing policies, codes of ethics, and clinical protocols for abortion.
18:50 Unlike Youth Defense activist Sinead Redmond says that she “cannot sleep with rage, with fear”. She shouted “shame on them” which was met with an eruption of applause. She also spoke about the 8th amendment as a ‘152 year old relic’.
18:45 Suzanne Lee, a UCD student, spoke about experience having an abortion. Thousands are now listening to various different stories. One woman ordered pills online to induce a miscarriage.
18:43 Clare Daly TD proposed removing the 8th amendment that equates life of unborn with life of the woman to huge applause.
18:37 Clare Daly TD speaking in front of government buildings: “”the out of touch procrastination that represents politics inside Dáil Éireann… We are telling the politicians no more. Irish women demand we have our rights recognised”. Image from @RallyforChoice
18:35 “We march not just for Savita but for our belief in a democracy”- Indian representative on steps outside Leinster House. Vice President of Sinn Féin and a Teachta Dála for Dublin Central Mary Lou McDonald is now made a speech saying that TDs have to put aside their own personal prejudices and take responsibility.
18:30 Once again, protestors have lit candles in memory of Savita. The crowd is getting steadily larger outside of government buildings. Many ‘Enda pun’ placards can be seen in the crowd.
18:20 Protestors hold up ‘Never Again’ banner outside Leinster House
18:14 The number of protestors have depleted to an estimated 1,600. Discussion centres around RTE controversy, “why was there no strong, articulate, informed speaker to defend our position?”
17.46 Hannah Jean Ryan and Leanna Byrne off to live blog the ‘Never Again’ Protest taking place this evening at Leinster House.
Another protest is taking place today at Leinster House at 6pm to highlight the death of Savita Halappanavar. In the wake of the immediate public reaction, Pro-Choice activists are anxious to maintain momentum as they fight to introduce immediate Legislation on the X Case (1992).
They also want to ensure a fair public enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Savita Halappanavar in Galway University Hospital on October 28th last.
Ms. Halappanavar’s husband has refused to cooperate with the Chairman of the HSE inquiry. He has expressed his dissatisfaction on the private nature of the inquiry despite the removal of three consultants from the hospital in question from the inquiry board yesterday.
The Dail is due to vote tonight on a motion introduced by Sinn Fein calling for immediate legislation to implement the Supreme Court judgement on the X Case. TD’s are due to vote 9pm this evening.
The protest takes place amid controversy surrounding allegedly biased coverage of the issue on RTE’s Prime Time show yesterday evening. Pro-Choice activists have expressed outrage, accusing RTE of failing to represent the issue in a balanced and fair manor.
