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Health Minister Stephen Donnelly Sam Boal

Plans to legislate for safe access zones outside abortion providers approved by Government

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly committed to seeing the Bill drafted “as quickly as possible so it can be introduced to the Oireachtas”.

LAST UPDATE | 27 Jul 2022

THE CABINET HAS approved plans to legislate for safe access zones around clinics that provide abortion services. 

The heads of the Bill, a general scheme of a Bill before it is finalised, designate a protest exclusion zone around all healthcare facilities, including those that provide abortion services.

In effect, this would introduce 100 metre exclusion zones around all hospitals, GP practices and family planning clinics. It applies to any facility that can provide abortion services, not just ones that currently do so. 

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said this will “protect the freedom to access termination of services without impediment and the privacy and dignity of women accessing health services, as well as the service providers, and their staff”. 

The heads of Bill were developed with support and input from the Departments of Health and Justice, the HSE and gardaí. 

A formal Bill will now be drafted by the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Health.  

Donnelly said the department also intends to engage with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for observations. 

The minister committed to seeing the Bill drafted “as quickly as possible so it can be introduced to the Oireachtas”. 

Speaking ahead of Cabinet this morning, Donnelly added: “I would love to see this pass through all stages into law and become operational in this calendar year.”

“It’s a very positive move. I will be looking to engage with the Oireachtas health committee on pre-legislative scrutiny. We need to look at the time commitments the health committee can give this,” the minister added. 

Eilís Mulroy, of the anti-abortion Pro-Life Campaign, said the Government’s plan to introduce exclusion zones sets a “very dangerous precedent for denying freedom of expression and the right to peacefully assemble in public areas”.

She described the proposals as “regressive and draconian”.

“The proposal being put forward is a wholly disproportionate response to the risk that a tiny number of people may at some point in the future engage in harassing behaviour close to an abortion facility,” she said. 

“No-one wants to see people harassed when approaching a hospital or GP surgery.

“Were such incidents do occur, the authorities already have wide-ranging powers to deal with the situation under existing public order laws.”

Plans for exclusions zones around medical facilities were originally agreed by all three Government parties in the Programme for Government, with Donnelly saying he was “fully committed” to the plan last September.

Penalties for holding prohibited protests around facilities would start with warnings from Gardaí, with some cases being prosecuted within the District Court.

However, penalties will escalate for repeat offences and serious offences could end up before a judge and jury.

According to a 2020 poll by Amárach Research for RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live/TheJournal, 77% of people support a ban on protests outside facilities that provide abortion services.

Additional reporting by Orla Dwyer. 

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63 Comments
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    Mute Tom Mullally
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:03 AM

    If people are pro choice they should allow mothers to hear about other choices other than abortion

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    Mute Deirdre Moffat
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:16 AM

    @Tom Mullally: But not outside the establishment that is providing the abortion. At that point the woman has made her choice, and a very difficult choice that is. She does not need to be shouted at and bullied into making a different choice at that stage or any stage for that matter.

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    Mute vectorsector
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:21 AM

    @Tom Mullally: women in these situations are under no obligation to hear the opinion of others, especially the opinions of devout bigots. I think they are already well aware of their options. To think they are not is a pretty ignorant but unsurprising stance.

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    Mute vectorsector
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:22 AM

    @Tom Mullally: women in these situations are under no obligation to hear the opinion of others, especially the opinions of devout bigots. I think they are already well aware of their options.

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    Mute vectorsector
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:22 AM

    @Tom Mullally: @Tom Mullally: women in these situations are under no obligation to hear the opinion of others, especially the opinions of devout bigots. I think they are already well aware of their options

    41
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    Mute vectorsector
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:23 AM

    @vectorsector: apologies for the repeated post. Issue with submitting the post

    69
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    Mute Paul Clancy
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:27 AM

    @Tom Mullally: I am pro choice because I will never have one but believe a person has the right to choose. When a person is going to one of these hospitals they have already made a choice. You assume they are pro choice so your premise is not correct.

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    Mute Megan Finnegan Ward
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:35 AM

    @Tom Mullally: Tom, are you trying to assert that there is ever anyone out there who is pregnant and unaware of the options of giving birth or adoption, especially someone who is pregnant and has made the decision to have an abortion? I really hope not because it would be a worrying indication of ignorant you think women and girls are, but if you meant something else I’m all ears. Do you think these protestors are the first person to make them aware of their options or something?

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    Mute Tom Mullally
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:04 AM

    @Megan Finnegan Ward: I know someone who prays near an abortion clinic in the UK and they have said that several ladies do change their mind.
    In the USA abortion providers do not like when offices of an organisation that is pro life open nearby as it takes away some of their business.

    57
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    Mute Tricia G ☘️
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:12 AM

    @Tom Mullally: What patronising, paternalistic nonsense.

    Women are given choices and y the professionals in the clinics.
    Every reputable study has made it very clear that the vast majority of women that have accessed abortion do not regret it. And those forced to give birth tend to have worse lives.

    So call me skeptical, but I don’t believe your friend’s claims that they were the ones that changed anyone’s mind. I suspect anyone that decided against it was wavering anyway.

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    Mute Megan Finnegan Ward
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:13 AM

    @Tom Mullally: So why didn’t you say what you meant in the first comment ‘I hope the God botherers can change women’s minds by protesting’?

    They’re already aware of their options, despite your condescending initial comment.

    They have the ability to change their mind at any time. Your friends trying to intimidate women going in aren’t going to be the reason for many changes of minds, and if they are the reason it’s because they’ve succeeded in intimidating and upsetting them and making them feel guilty. Dress it up whatever way you want, pretend it’s totally benevolent, those of us with critical thinking skills see it for what it is.

    Yeah or maybe they don’t like it because they’re actually a pro-choice service and don’t like the intimidation tactics and interference like most reasonable people? One of these groups offers and advises on all choices. The other does not.

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    Mute David cotter
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:16 AM

    @Tom Mullally: call bull on that Tom….

    83
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    Mute Jo H
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:25 AM

    @Tom Mullally: what patronising nonsense. There isn’t a woman out there who isn’t aware of the options, particularly if she has found herself in the position of contemplating abortion for whatever reason.

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    Mute Malachi Shanks
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    Jul 27th 2022, 9:16 AM

    @Tom Mullally: you mean they get bullied into changing their minds.

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    Mute Gearóid MacEachaidh
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    Jul 27th 2022, 12:54 PM

    @Tom Mullally: yes because that’s why protesters are there. To provide help. If a woman wants a choice or advice regarding what to do with her own body she can ask medical professionals. Not random strangers on the street.

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    Mute Don Hogan
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    Jul 27th 2022, 5:24 PM

    @Tom Mullally: There is no right to be heard if your behaviour constitutes harassment.

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    Mute Boyne Sharky
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    Jul 27th 2022, 9:03 PM

    @Tom Mullally: The key word here is ‘choice’. These women make the difficult ‘choice’ to have an abortion, but you want to force your opinion upon them. That isn’t giving them a ‘choice’. Whether you agree with it or not, respect the ‘choice’ they made.

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    Mute Rúraíocht
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:33 AM

    I would consider myself liberal. However abortion as a form of family planning is imho wrong. I don’t agree with haranguing anyone dealing with a difficult pregnancy. Abortion was introduced into Ireland as the existing legislation was unclear. Clarity was needed to deal with situations such as the health of mother. It feels like we are normalising it. A difficult topic.

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    Mute JJ
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:06 AM

    @Rúraíocht: Normalising it! Don’t be ridiculous. Oh! I’m pregnant again

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    Mute Tricia G ☘️
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:15 AM

    @Rúraíocht: Yeah, no one uses abortion “as family planning”. (I assume you mean contraception.)

    I don’t believe you’ve actually considered what’s involved in an abortion if you actually think contraception is more onerous than an abortion.

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    Mute Mia Morrissey
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    Jul 27th 2022, 10:50 AM

    @JJ: Abortion is never an easy option for any woman no matter what the reason is . It’s certainly not a casual decision or process . It’s not used as contraception, the definition of contraception it’s self it’s different to termination of a pregnancy . Maybe reflect a bit more on what both mean .

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    Mute Gearóid MacEachaidh
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    Jul 27th 2022, 12:59 PM

    @Rúraíocht: I think your premise that “abortion is being used as family planning” is what’s wrong. Pretty sure abortion clinics are not giving out loyalty cards, “have 4 get the 5th one free”. There are many reasons why women may find themselves at an abortion clinic but as a part of family planning alone is probably not one of them.

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    Mute Sheila McNulty
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    Jul 27th 2022, 1:08 PM

    @Mia Morrissey: termination of pregnancy is the taking of a baby’s life like it or not

    30
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    Mute Lesidees
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    Jul 27th 2022, 1:25 PM

    @Sheila McNulty: it is not.

    47
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    Mute Frances Casey
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    Jul 27th 2022, 1:40 PM

    @Sheila McNulty: It is not.

    35
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    Mute Don Hogan
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    Jul 27th 2022, 5:31 PM

    @Tricia G ☘️: This is for all to read. Abortion in the case of unwanted pregnancies is used for family planning. Sad but true.

    https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnacp192.pdf

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    Mute Tricia G ☘️
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    Jul 27th 2022, 5:38 PM

    @Don Hogan: How are you getting that conclusion from that document? It very clearly shows that improving access to contraception hugely reduces abortion rates.

    Not that people use abortion as contraception, they have abortions because they don’t have ACCESS to contraception and good family planning information.

    You’ve deliberately ignored the main conclusions to further a narrative that’s not true (or applicable in Ireland).

    That document is Federal US Aid to countries that don’t have string family planning access.

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    Mute Claudia Varell
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:49 PM

    @Tricia G ☘️: No access to contraception? On which planet do you live? Condoms can be bought in each supermarket and the pill can be ordered online in most Western countries. Even in the USA up from the age of 13 in some states. Here is an overview https://freethepill.org/online-pill-prescribing-resources/ . The prices are like one or two packs of cigarettes. But yes, I hear you. It costs a little money, while abortion is for free and you can have a few cigarettes afterwards.

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    Mute David cotter
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:49 AM

    Who are these people….do the not have jobs
    Why would you stand around all day on the off chance you might change somebody’s mind…has history not taught us protest’s hardly ever work
    Or is there something deeper going on

    86
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    Mute Ronan McKeon
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    Jul 27th 2022, 11:51 AM

    @David cotter: film the protest, put it online, global audience for likes and shares and most importantly – the donations.

    27
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    Mute Shaner Mac
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    Jul 27th 2022, 7:09 AM

    How much of a problem has protests been?

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    Mute David cotter
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:14 AM

    @Shaner Mac: the few I saw were a bit pathetic….Jesus freeks chanting
    A nuisance more than a threat

    89
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    Mute FiannaFáilness FineGaelness
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    Jul 27th 2022, 3:19 PM

    @Shaner Mac: Very upsetting for couples who are suffering a miscarriage etc.

    31
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    Mute Maximus_Demonus
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    Jul 27th 2022, 10:57 AM

    Nobody has the right to control your body without your consent, yet these praying halfwits want this applied to women. It has nothing to do with life, just control of women.

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    Mute Sheila McNulty
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    Jul 27th 2022, 1:10 PM

    @Maximus_Demonus: halfwits ?control of women ? U HAVE A LOT TO LEARN

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    Mute Maximus_Demonus
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    Jul 27th 2022, 2:03 PM

    @Sheila McNulty: Go ahead then, I’m listening and am always willing to learn.

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    Mute Gavin Conran
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    Jul 27th 2022, 3:09 PM

    /grabs popcorn

    Ready!

    10
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    Mute Peter Lewis Jnr
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:05 AM

    My issue here is that if legislation is brought in it will be something all encompassing that will allow the government to place these exclusion zones wherever and whenever it suits them. Let me be clear I find these particular protests abhorrent and I do believe they are pushing freedom of assembly to it’s limit.

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    Mute David cotter
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:18 AM

    @Peter Lewis Jnr: don’t think they would get away with that Peter…we’re a long way from putins Russia yet

    43
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    Mute Peter Lewis Jnr
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    Jul 27th 2022, 8:34 AM

    @David cotter: I hope you’re correct.

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    Mute Alan Richard Scott Jr.
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    Jul 27th 2022, 1:28 PM

    @Peter Lewis Jnr: they can protest anywhere and peacefully, as enshrined in the EU law. I’m and pro life, that makes me very abhorrent and very right wing according to many.

    How dare I stand up for the right to life

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    Mute Frances Casey
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    Jul 27th 2022, 1:42 PM

    @Alan Richard Scott Jr.: You can stand up for anything you belive in. You just don’t have the right to harass and threaten those who’s opinions are different than yours.

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    Mute Peter Lewis Jnr
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    Jul 27th 2022, 2:14 PM

    @Alan Richard Scott Jr.: I never said they couldn’t, I also never said you were abhorrent so what’s your point? If what you’re saying is you agree with these protests then we can have a conversation about you.

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    Mute Paul Clancy
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    Jul 27th 2022, 2:30 PM

    @Alan Richard Scott Jr.: have a read of the Irish Constitution. It’s specifically states that the right of assembly is subjective to public order. It also states provision may be made by law to prevent or control meetings which …. in accordance with law to be calculated to cause a breach of the peace … or nuisance to the general public.

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    Mute Alan Richard Scott Jr.
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    Jul 27th 2022, 4:20 PM

    @Frances Casey: I never threaten anyone. And the cheek of you for Saying that

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    Mute Alan Richard Scott Jr.
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    Jul 27th 2022, 4:20 PM

    @Paul Clancy: EU law

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    Mute Aine O Connor
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    Jul 27th 2022, 9:34 AM

    There are two sides to this story. I do not agree with anyone protesting or praying outside hospitals or Doctors surgery in order to influence a woman’s decision. Why should women be targeted while the Fathers are anonymous and get no hassle. Nor do I agree with pro choice protesters vandalising pro life centres and burning down Churches as is happening in America since Roe V Wade was overturned.
    If legislation is to be brought in it sure cover both sides.

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    Mute Tricia G ☘️
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    Jul 27th 2022, 9:56 AM

    @Aine O Connor: Can you link to the reports of churches being burnt down and their connection to the Dobbs ruling? I’ve looked and can’t find any. I’ve have found vandalism of Anti-Choice organisations (graffiti mostly) but I can’t find all these churches that have puportedly been burnt down.

    I would add, if anyone is firebombing anywhere (like abortion clinics have been for decades) I 100% condemn that. Graffettiing a building, I can kinda get.

    Fun fact I found when looking for the burnt out churches, over half of all abortion clinics in Montana had been firebombed by 1990…..

    84
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    Mute Aine O Connor
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    Jul 27th 2022, 11:59 AM

    @Tricia G ☘️: Google Tracker: Pro-Abortion attacks in U.S. continue ( updated) by Jonah McKeown. July 22nd 2022.

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    Mute Tricia G ☘️
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    Jul 27th 2022, 3:18 PM

    @Aine O Connor: They’re all graffiti. One fire, pew set alight, with zero evidence it’s linked to Dobbs.

    Can you link to any churches burnt down?

    Also, if this is the extent, grafitti and protests, I feel they’re being pretty restrained after having their federal right to an abortion removed after 50 years of it being settled law.

    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251421/analysis-catholic-church-attacks-multiply-following-supreme-court-leak

    Some of these are teneous links at best!

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    Mute Aine O Connor
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    Jul 27th 2022, 4:17 PM

    @Tricia G ☘️: It was the Supreme Court who overturned the law. Why should Pregnancy Advice Centres and Churches be targeted. Every woman has the right to explore all her options . The extremists on both sides need to butt out and mind their own business.

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    Mute Ambrose O'Farrell
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    Jul 27th 2022, 10:49 AM

    Will all protests for whatever causes be restricted in the same way?

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    Mute Paul Clancy
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    Jul 27th 2022, 2:07 PM

    @Ambrose O’Farrell: No

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    Mute Mia Morrissey
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    Jul 27th 2022, 10:43 AM

    The people who choose to spend their time out side health care facilities, are doing so to make themselves feel good / holy whatever . It’s not for the good of any baby or woman . Bringing laws in I imagine won’t be enough to stop them from their pathetic hobby .

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    Mute Sheila McNulty
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    Jul 27th 2022, 1:11 PM

    @Mia Morrissey: and u have definite proof of this

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    Mute Alan Richard Scott Jr.
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    Jul 27th 2022, 1:29 PM

    @Mia Morrissey: can’t bring in laws limiting the freedom of assembly

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    Mute Frances Casey
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    Jul 27th 2022, 1:45 PM

    @Alan Richard Scott Jr.: But you can have laws against harassment and threatening behaviour.

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    Mute Paul Clancy
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    Jul 27th 2022, 2:07 PM

    @Alan Richard Scott Jr.: peaceful assembly. That’s a very important word you left our.

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    Mute Gavin Conran
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    Jul 27th 2022, 3:10 PM

    @Sheila McNulty: Can you prove otherwise?

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    Mute SkylineSi
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    Jul 27th 2022, 10:37 AM

    Implement this already!

    29
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    Mute Stephen Walshe
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    Jul 27th 2022, 3:17 PM

    Bullies who want to shove their own opinion down other peoples throats. Who harass people when they actually need support.

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    Mute Keth Warsaw
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    Jul 27th 2022, 6:45 PM

    Something ironic about the suggestion of a safe zone….when we all know what’s not safe.

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    Mute Lesidees
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    Jul 27th 2022, 1:33 PM

    I campaigned against the 8th amendment almost 40 years ago, and for its repeal. However, I have doubts about whether this legislation is really needed, and, by drawing attention to the anti-abortion protesters, it risks turning them into victims. If hey are ignored, then most of them will likely go away. And those who persist can surely be charged with obstruction, or disturbing the peace, or whatever.

    On any given day, among all the women who visit a medical centre – hospital, or surgery, or whatever – how many are there to have an abortion? On most days, at most places, I would guess the answer must be in low single figures.

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