Right to Life: A Human Right?

Wednesday 21 October, at 6:30 in the McMunn Theatre, the Life Society hosted Eilis Mulroy addressing students on the fundamental right to life of human persons from the moment of conception. This topic is particularly urgent in view of Trinity’s decision to introduce the embryonic stem cell research already taking place at UCC and the recent news of the alarming rise in Down’s syndrome children being destroyed before they are born.

The talk began with a short film using 4D imaging (National Geographic) to show the child developing in the womb from conception, through the commencement of the heartbeat 3 weeks later, to the 24-week foetus swallowing, blinking and sucking her thumb. Eilis highlighted the fact that, because of the genetic fingerprint present from the first day, there is no discontinuity in a human person before and after birth: nothing is added after conception except growth and nutrition. An explosion of life occurs from the very beginning up until the 10^th week (when all organs are present), and growth continues afterwards at a slower and slower pace until adulthood. The arguments in favour of allowing destruction of unborn children, dependency and lack of self-awareness, apply also to a newborn. The discussion after the talk raised the issue of the small minority (around 1%) of abortions that are performed on rape victims. Eilis stressed that the unborn child is not responsible for the circumstances of its conception. Furthermore, the violence done to a woman during an abortion could only worsen the situation of someone already subjected to the violence of rape.

Everyone is invited to all the upcoming events planned by the Life Society over the next few weeks. We plan to hold a free showing of the film ‘Bella’ (winner of the 2006 Toronto Film Festival) which explores the infinite value of one human life. Next Wednesday (4 November) a table at Áras na Mac Léinn will present students with information on life issues and upcoming activities. On 18 November, Lila Rose, who exposed the criminal cover-up of statutory rape by Planned Parenthood (the international group to which the Irish Family Planning Association belongs), will present a talk followed by a reception. Anyone interested in attending the Viva le Vida Pro-life Youth Conference in Maynooth (Nov. 20-22) featuring speakers such as Lila Rose, Gianna Jessen (abortion survivor) and Dr. Tony Levatino (former abortionist) should contact lifesoc@socs.nuigalway.ie for more information as soon as possible. The weekend will be €25 (food, lodging, and conference).