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Sam Boal

Brid Smith: 'I had an abortion... I've never felt ashamed about it'

The TD said she had a termination at the age of 23.

DEPUTY BRID SMITH has become the first Irish TD to speak publicly about having an abortion.

The Solidary-People Before Profit TD spoke about the experience, which took place when she was around 23, during a recording of the Irish Times’ The Women’s Podcast live on the Wanderlust stage at the Body & Soul Festival last weekend.

“I just didn’t want to be pregnant. I really felt it. I just didn’t want to be pregnant,” said Smith of her reason behind the decision.

She explained what happened:

I think it was around 1985, so I was a very young woman. It was about two years after the referendum [where the Eighth Amendment was inserted into the Constitution]. So I’ve never felt ashamed about that abortion, that’s what I chose to do and I was supported by my family and friends and everything, but I’ve never spoken about it.

The theme of the podcast event was ‘the walk (and talk) of shame’ and Smith said that she thought “maybe there was an element of shame that I couldn’t identify” about her abortion.

“I don’t speak and maybe people don’t speak about their abortions, I don’t know, but I noticed to myself it’s not something that… I didn’t hide it from any of my friends and family.”

She said her friends and family were “very supportive”.

“I think the country tried to make women feel ashamed of that,” she said of women having abortions.

In order to have the termination, she travelled to the UK by boat – to keep the cost down – and stayed with the brother of a friend in Liverpool. Her sisters picked her up from the ferry when she arrived home, and they went to the early house in the Long Hall and “had a few scoops” before they went to bed.

“The more I talk to people about this the more I realise it’s part of normal life,” said Smith.

“People just don’t realise how many families in all generations have had terminations that they then don’t discuss. And it strikes me now we’re coming up to this Dáil committee on the Citizens’ Assembly, it strikes me very much that the establishment is way behind the people.”

“I am so ashamed of this country, the way it treats women and girls,” added Smith in the podcast.

The 21-person Oireachtas abortion committee, which is tasked with proposing changes to Ireland’s legislation surrounding abortion following on from the Citizens’ Assembly recommendations, met for the first time on 21 June. Its chair is Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone.

The Citizens Assembly recommended that the Oireachtas should legislate for abortion and allow abortion without restriction in Ireland.

Read: Graphic pro-life events planned for Cork and Dublin airports ‘won’t get permission’>

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238 Comments
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    Mute Paul Foot
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:02 PM

    A brave and strong lady….

    536
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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:20 PM

    @Paul Foot: why ?

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    Mute Paul Foot
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:28 PM

    @Meseeks: and what does comment show you to be….

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    Mute Ciaran105
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:29 PM

    @Meseeks: Vile comment , shame on U

    44
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    Mute meatyslaps
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:39 PM

    @Meseeks: Says the guy insulting someone anonymously – what does that make you?

    I see the irony in my posting anonymously before anyone points it out – I, however, don’t use it to insult anyone.

    38
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    Mute Ollie O'Brien
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:53 PM

    Sure murder is nothing to be ashamed of … No difference between killing someone whose 8 weeks or 80 years or in between so if legistation backs it

    186
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    Mute P C
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:10 PM

    @Paul Foot: her face says it all cold and detached. Not surprised she has no guilt.

    164
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    Mute DaisyChainsaw
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:12 PM

    You better call the gardai and have her arrested… See how far your complaint gets.

    60
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    Mute Kate Flaherty
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:13 PM

    @P C: she is far from cold and detached, she’s a very hard working passionate driven woman who chose to share her story frankly, a brave move by all accounts regardless of whether you agree or not….

    136
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    Mute P C
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:15 PM

    @Kate Flaherty: but no guilt for the murder of an unborn child. Yea.

    146
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    Mute Mandy Magee
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:19 PM

    @Suzie Sunshine: Hi Suzy. I missed you.

    7
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    Mute Ballybunion
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:24 PM

    She went for a few scoops after. Good to see she had her priorities right. Can’t be letting a innocent baby get in the way of your early morning drinking sessions.

    181
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    Mute Luke Adam Cassidy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:44 PM

    @Kate Flaherty: bravery is not terminating your unborn child’s life, bravery is bringing your child into this work and working your ass off to ensure your child can grow and be a contributing member of society!

    There is nothing brave about this women’s story,

    213
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    Mute P C
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:55 PM

    @Luke Adam Cassidy: the pro abortionists are in for a shock when this goes to a vote.

    103
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    Mute Shane o rourke
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:57 PM

    @Paul Foot: brace and strong?for terminating an innocent life?do one

    98
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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:03 PM

    @Mandy Magee .. interesting . Do you usually miss people you don’t know ?

    21
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:06 PM

    @Ollie O’Brien: this article has absolutely nothing to do with murder, what the he’ll you on about?

    44
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:07 PM

    @P C: murder???? Where are you getting this from? Can you murder something without a heartbeat????

    43
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:09 PM

    @P C: is this a new group? “pro abortionists”? I’ve only heard of pro life and pro choice myself…..

    46
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    Mute P C
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:38 PM

    @Sam Glynn: why are you afraid to use the word abortion? Why try to sanitise it to pro choice? You do so because you are ashamed of abortion. It is what it is… the killing of an unborn child.

    97
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    Mute Tricia Golden
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:52 PM

    @Sam Glynn: It’s a clearly defined tactic of the anti-abortion brigade

    They think that by calling any “pro-choice” leaning person a “pro-abort” they’re scoring points because they think people will get upset and not want to be associated with that term.

    It’s typical emotive nonsense because they know their actual arguments hold no logic.

    31
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:09 PM

    @P C: abortion abortion abortion abortion…. I have no problem using the term abortion. Where did you get that mad idea from? There are two groups I am aware of like I said, pro life and pro choice, never heard of this pro abortionist group you referred too.
    I love how you think you know me but as far as I know we have never met or spoken (correct me if I’m wrong). Just for your information I am not, nor have I ever been, ashamed of abortion. I am curious,however, to know how you concluded to that statement about a stranger?
    Also abortion is not the definition of the killing of an unborn child it is the termination of an undeveloped fetus.
    Ps: abortion abortion abortion abortion

    27
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:12 PM

    @Tricia Golden: no logic at all hahaha. People’s minds are fascinating and boggling lol

    9
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    Mute P C
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:48 PM

    @Sam Glynn: you tell me to refer to your group as ‘prochoice’ rather than ‘pro abortion’ and then you wonder why I question your dislike of the term ‘pro abortion’? Strange logic.

    23
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:56 PM

    @P C: because there is no such group as pro-abortion. I don’t go around making up names to existing groups. And I never once told you to refer to ‘my group ‘ (eventhough I never told you which group,if any, I am a part of. FYI I’m not a member of any group) as pro-choice. Your logic, as I’m sure you can agree, is very strange indeed.

    14
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    Mute P C
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:21 PM

    @Sam Glynn: who said anything about a “group”? You must live under a rock if you never heard the term “pro abortion”.
    Is that an IQ or a shoe size? LOL

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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:35 PM

    @P C: is this how you work? You get every thing spelt out to you, you get told where you went wrong in your comments and you respond by making up more absolute random bull$hit in your replies back? Well I will tell you know that seems like an awful long day of work, fixing your mistakes, if you wish for me to continue, I charge €15ph.

    This last one is for free :
    1) you mentioned groups to me, so to answer your question……it was you!
    2) we never discussed terms,but instead groups, so although I may of heard the term ‘pro-abortion’ I still have never heard of the group with the same title
    3) Is what an IQ or a shoe size? (to be honest it’s baffling the random bull that you are typing)

    15
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:35 PM

    @P C: is this how you work? You get every thing spelt out to you, you get told where you went wrong in your comments and you respond by making up more absolute random bull$hit in your replies back? Well I will tell you know that seems like an awful long day of work, fixing your mistakes, if you wish for me to continue, I charge €15ph.
    This last one is for free :
    1) you mentioned groups to me, so to answer your question……it was you!
    2) we never discussed terms,but instead groups, so although I may of heard the term ‘pro-abortion’ I still have never heard of the group with the same title
    3) Is what an IQ or a shoe size? (to be honest it’s baffling the random bull that you are typing)

    11
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    Mute P C
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:47 PM

    @Sam Glynn: oh it seems I really rattled someone’s cage. Your shoe size is greater than your IQ. Is that simple enough for you? LOL.

    14
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 6:21 PM

    @P C: hahaha you keep proving my point. Please continue, I’m starting to find this highly entertaining….. Actually we’re all having a great laugh at your struggling responses (and when I say we I mean me and the people physically in the room with me right now, I am not speaking on behalf of anyone else in this comment section)

    14
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    Mute Claire Jones
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    Jun 29th 2017, 6:29 PM

    @Paul Foot: she certainly is. A very strong and brave lady.

    13
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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 7:42 PM

    @P C: You seem to be triggered.

    “The murder of an unborn child” <- That is impossible .

    Anyway ,maybe you should look up the definition of 'murder' and come back to us ..Good lad ..

    15
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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 7:47 PM

    @P C: You are the person that said ” the murder of an unborn child” It’s no wonder that Sam is laughing at you ..And now you’re coming out throwing Marion’s favourite words “pro aborts” around,which I do find adorable :-)

    I’m what you would call ‘pro choice’ as I’m happy for whatever the woman decides to do..and as I am a father of five children,then I too must be what you call ‘pro life’ ..

    12
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    Mute Bobby wilson
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    Jun 29th 2017, 9:24 PM

    @Claire Jones: i have had certain pro choice people say to me the right to have a abortion is same right to be a practicing gay person which i fine very insulting and hurtful to the gay population of Ireland ..

    13
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    Mute Maria Egan
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    Jun 29th 2017, 10:17 PM

    FYI Sam Glynn an embryo has a heartbeat as early as near the end of the first month of pregnancy according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. When the embryo is about four weeks old a vaginal ultrasound may detect a fetal heartbeat. Just saying!

    15
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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 30th 2017, 7:07 AM

    @Maria Egan: Yeah! And what people might think that it’s a “heart” it is actually two cardiac poles..

    2
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 30th 2017, 10:18 AM

    @Maria Egan: and every other study from reputable sources all say differently, you know, since the heart isn’t even developed at that stage. I wonder did you do biology in school cause this is 1st yr stuff. Can’t believe you think the heart is developed that early haha

    1
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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:09 PM

    I know it’s probably a huge shock to find out but I don’t know a woman that regrets having her child.

    409
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    Mute M
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:14 PM

    @Meekus: as you’ve hopefully learned from the constant media coverage for the last few years it is never that simple. It’s not just a case of I want/don’t want a baby.

    180
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    Mute MaryLoonyMcDonald
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:16 PM

    @Paul Foot: unless you’ve spoken to every mother everywhere then thats just your experience.

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    Mute Paul Foot
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:19 PM

    @MaryLoonyMcDonald: read it again!!

    30
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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:41 PM

    @M: It was for this lady, she didn’t want the baby and I understand that. My point is that I know many women who, given the choice would not have chose to be pregnant, but I don’t know one who regretted after the child was born.

    57
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    Mute John B
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:54 PM

    @Meekus: that’s a self fulfilling prophecy. By speaking to those who have children that is the answer you will hear. It’s also unlikely someone would admit to you otherwise. Also there is a possibility some of those women you know have had abortions and you just don’t know about it.

    59
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:59 PM

    @Meekus: could very easily say the same about women who have had terminations too. What’s your point exactly?

    42
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    Mute A H
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:13 PM

    @Meekus: admitting you detest being a mother is even more anathema than admitting you had an abortion so you’ll never hear anyone (unless it’s anonymous) say they wish they had made different choices when it came to their offspring.

    51
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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:18 PM

    @John B: So you’re saying all of women who have a child don’t regret having it. I wonder would you have the same success if you asked women who have had an abortion? You definitely wouldn’t. So I am saying logically when faced with the choice only one of the outcomes seems to work out for the woman almost all of the time.

    22
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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:23 PM

    @Sam Glynn: I don’t know many who have had abortions but all those that I do have had psychological issues as a result. Small sample size but remember this is in my experience. I am not claiming I am correct, in fact I think no one is.

    26
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    Mute eileen boles
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:43 PM

    @Meekus: how many women do U know?

    14
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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:52 PM

    @eileen boles: 5

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:55 PM

    @Meekus: Always willing to be of service :

    https://www.facebook.com/IRegretHavingChildren/

    21
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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:03 PM

    @Francis Mc Carthy: Ya, very interesting, it doesn’t change my opinion that much though Francis to be honest.

    12
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:35 PM

    @Meekus: I simply don’t believe your response to me. stinks of bullcaca to be honest.
    On another note you probably know a lot more women who have had abortions than you think, but this is not your fault.

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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:59 PM

    @Sam Glynn: Usually if something contradicts my argument I will reflect again on my point of view, others will dismiss the other point of view and call the person with it a liar.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:04 PM

    @Meekus: Majority of women that do have abortions,do not have any psychological problems afterwards.But hey,what would these professionals know about it :-)

    http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/abortion/

    17
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:10 PM

    @Meekus: so I take it you were talking out your ass with your lying comment then.silly Billy

    7
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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:24 PM

    @Francis Mc Carthy: I am not denying that it works out for women after an abortion. I am not even denying that it works out for the majority (over 50%). I am simply saying that it appears to me that it is a safer option for women to go ahead with the pregnancy. A Facebook page with vast majority posters actually not saying they “I regret having a child” and link with no data on it is not changing my opinion Francis.

    9
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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:45 PM

    @Sam Glynn: Why would you take it that I was lying? What a deluded conclusion and childish response.

    7
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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:01 PM

    @Meekus: because your example was oboviously very convenient to the topic of conversation and very unbelievable. It’s as obovious as the moon above the earth!!

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:02 PM

    @Meekus: It works out for over 95% who showed no regret,but of course ,you have “met” up with a few that have :-) That is hilarious :-) Or is it the way that you do some part time work at Rachels Vineyards ?

    http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/abortion/mental-health.pdf

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:04 PM

    @Meekus: How do you know that it is the “safer” option for a woman to go full term ? Are you making up your own stuff ? Is that what you do ?Cos it sure looks like it to me..

    A question for you : Why were women allowed to have access to abortions in America ?

    9
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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:07 PM

    @Sam Glynn: Abortion in the first trimester is one of the most safest medical procedures that is out there..but maybe Meekus has his own ‘facts’ on that too :-)

    12
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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:12 PM

    @Sam Glynn: I am not sure which I find more interesting; your definition of obvious or your spelling of it.

    6
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    Mute Meekus
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    Jun 29th 2017, 6:06 PM

    Got into an argument with two ladies who are obviously pro-choice and somehow they’ve swayed my opinion in the opposite direction to their’s but I’ll tell you what, at least I made some new friends :)

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    Mute Jim
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:35 PM

    I believe, the majority of people in this country are afraid to admit it, but they are really uncomfortable with the thought of abortion. It doesn’t sit right with Irish people. Be it right or wrong I believe that the Irish people will listen to their gut on this issue…For my part, I think abortion is a reactive measure to unwanted pregnancy…What we really need is to address the plethora of measures which lead up to unwanted pregnancy. Prevention is key….

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    Mute No To Forced Births!
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:49 PM

    @Jim: It sat right with the 170,000 women that have traveled to the UK,for an abortion-since 1980 ..
    So you are of the belief that women who find themselves with an unwanted pregnancy,that they think of an abortion straight away,after they find out that they are pregnant ?

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    Mute Lisa Dorothy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:50 PM

    @Jim: That is all very well and good but you will still have unwanted pregnancies. Women will still need to get abortions for healthcare reasons as well so our laws have to change and the 8th needs to go – this has gone on far too long.

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    Mute Dublinguy2013
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:54 PM

    @Jim: what rubbish. Have you spoken to everyone in this country. Look at the polls etc. hopefully we can get Abortion on demand in this backward country.

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    Mute Seán O'Keeffe
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:01 PM

    @Jim: good man Jim. Please feel free to use your head in the sand beliefs on behalf of me and the Irish people. Idiot.

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    Mute Jim
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:16 PM

    @Dublinguy2013: No sir, that’s why I opened my comment with “I believe”. You see, that’s called an opinion.

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    Mute Jim
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:17 PM

    @Seán O’Keeffe: Sean, you will note the first words in my comment are “I believe” I don’t speak for anyone but myself. Therefore you sir are the idiot…I believe

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    Mute Jim
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:20 PM

    @Lisa Dorothy: Lisa I agree, you will notice that I did not say anything on my thoughts of every possibility and I certainly don’t think that abortion is wrong full stop. What I do believe is that abortion on demand does not sit right with the Irish people and for this reason preventative education and measures must be first the first port of call.

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    Mute Jim
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:22 PM

    @No To Forced Births!: I don’t know, maybe some women do think of it first. Is that so unbelievable that a person could do such a thing? Equally I don’t think for a second that it is always the case at all….so I’ll put the question back to you. Do you think it’s possible?

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    Mute No To Forced Births!
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:49 PM

    @Jim: Pregnant women are able to think for themselves.Unbelievable isn’t it.

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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:52 PM

    @No To Forced Births!: and you’ve completly ignored the question…truly amazing

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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:51 PM

    @Jim: Typical pro life tripe, Sometimes it’s like some of you think women are getting pregnant just so they can abort. This is probably the hardest decision these people have to make in their lives and you treat it as though they are choosing a dress to go out on Saturday. Prevention doesn’t always work. Why stick your nose in other peoples affairs anyway??

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    Jun 29th 2017, 6:18 PM

    @Rob Cahill: firstly, you state “prevention doesn’t always work” so you admit that it often does work, yes? So why not build on that Rob? Why have women in a position that they must make “the hardest decision in their life” if they can avoid it altogether?

    Also, I disagree with your statement that it is “the hardest decision” I think yes this is true in many or most cases, but not all cases. Some treat it like picking out a dress. That statement will prove unpopular with you im sure. Now I am not pro life and I understand that there are circumstances where abortion the only resort, but abortion on demand is not the answer. As for your comment regarding my right to have an opinion at all…refer to the constitution of Ireland.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 8:00 PM

    @Jim: Whatever a woman chooses to do with her pregnancy,it will have not one personal affect on you.Whether it is the easiest decision that she will ever make or the hardest,it will be hers to make.Now, you don’t agree with her having access to a safe,legal abortion,that is fine.But there is over 3,500 women taking that trip to the UK each year & I’m one of the people that is willing to stand by her,& not with some non sentient embryo that she has no desire to bring to full term..As long as a pregnancy is more dangerous to her physical and mental well-being,then I will always back her 100%…

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    Mute Jim
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    Jun 29th 2017, 8:22 PM

    @Francis Mc Carthy: Your logic could be applied to any supposed “illegal” activity Francis. Just because I am not directly affected by an act does not mean that I do not have the right to live in a state which promotes values that I hold important.

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    Mute Jim
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    Jun 29th 2017, 8:25 PM

    @Francis Mc Carthy: also Francis, I did not say that I disagree with medical interventions up to and including abortion under certain circumstances.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 9:29 PM

    @Jim: This is about a living ,breathing sentient human being & her right to remove a non-sentient embryo or foetus, from her womb.And as it has been ‘proven’ that a first trimester abortion is much safer to her physical health,than her going full term,then I would rather her having the opportunity of removing that embryo or foetus,from her womb..Now obviously,you are of the belief that because she got pregnant,then she will have to take whatever risks to her life that that pregnancy could bring her..

    Risks like :
    Genetics,Diabetes ,Drug abuse,Domestic abuse,Suicidal,Self harm & hypertension,to name just a few ..Oh and tat risk that is called death.

    But once that foetus is brought to full term.it’s to hell with the damage to her ,once your morals are fine ..Okey dokey..

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 9:32 PM

    @Jim: Good for you Jim,

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    Mute Jim
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    Jun 29th 2017, 9:54 PM

    @Francis Mc Carthy: Ah Francis come on now! So youre saying that if a woman has a child that she does not want that she will inevitably suffer from one of the conditions you list or worse! How on earth can you say that. You can not predict a persons future based on them having a baby. Up to and including a drug addiction! Can you imagine any woman saying…I can not have this baby because i will become a drug addict. The problem there is not the fetus Francis.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 10:07 PM

    @Jim: I’m handing out facts to you,You mightn’t like them.But they’re facts.Look up why women in America,won the right to safe,legal abortions,it was mainly because of this..Giving childbirth in America was ‘proven’ to be 14 times more lethal than her having a first trimester abortion..And if you look at the maternal statistics in Ireland back in 2009-2012,there was an average of nearly 10 people dying a year..nevermind how many were seriously injured…So I will always put the woman’s life before that of a non-sentient woman …Adios.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 10:08 PM

    * non sentient embryo/foetus :-) Definitely logging off after that one ..lol

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 10:09 PM

    I’m not saying that they will end up drug addicts …I’m saying that they all ready were..my mistake..

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    Mute Jim
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    Jun 29th 2017, 10:22 PM

    @Francis Mc Carthy: Francis, your argument is full of holes, i’m sorry. Abortion is not a positive action. That defies natural law.

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:04 PM

    so why tell us, it was your own decision and you live with your conscience if you have one.

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    Mute ktsiwot
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:13 PM

    @Chris Kirk: Because that decision is not available here.

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    Mute M
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:14 PM

    @Chris Kirk: because she’s trying to break the stigma.

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:17 PM

    @ktsiwot: Don’t you believe it, what is to stop someone from getting an abortion in the UK if they have money to pay for it. It is entirely up to the persons involved and it always has been for as long as I can remember..

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    Mute Bar Bar Drinks
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:17 PM

    @Chris Kirk: She telling us because women are still going through stigma for choosing what is best for themselves today and that it is their right to decide and NO ONE elses

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:19 PM

    @M: Okat and good luck to her for making her own case political even though the law is not on her side, unfortunately.

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    Mute Keith Byrne
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:20 PM

    @Chris Kirk: what exactly is your point?

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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:22 PM

    @Bar Bar Drinks: where’s the stigma you speak about ? If she had an abortion them she made the right decision for her .. why are people so hung up on what others think of them ?

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    Mute Richard Doherty
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:31 PM

    @Chris Kirk: why should irish women have to go to uk to do this its totally in keeping with united nations saying we are negleting irish womens rights in this regard

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:32 PM

    @Bar Bar Drinks: Unfortunately the laws in this country have other ideas when it comes to terminations and the medical profession is bound by them. A person has the right of learning the facts concerning a pregnancy and more liberal minded GP’s will help a person make the right choices. However it is still up to the persons involved how they wish to progress the pregnancy.

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    Mute Fozz
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:38 PM

    @Chris Kirk: It’s hardly up to the person involved when the outdated laws of the land prohibit many of the possible choices available.

    That’s like saying its your choice to buy a red car or a blue car but all other car colours are banned so while you have choice, those choices are limited.

    Apologies to all those with average or above intelligence who do not need this explained to them.

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    Mute Bar Bar Drinks
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:39 PM

    @Suzie Sunshine: The stigma is the likes of the people on here who judge her and others for the choices they make for whatever reason they make it.

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    Mute M
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:48 PM

    @Chris Kirk: that’s the point.. she’s trying to help change the law so that we can stop exporting our problem to England.

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    Mute Lisa Dorothy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:48 PM

    @Chris Kirk: What if you don’t have the money? Do you think people who can’t afford a medical procedure can really afford to have a baby?

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    Mute Suzie Sunshine
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:51 PM

    @Bar Bar Drinks: you’re always going to have that in every walk of life .. it only feels like a stigma if you allow it to be. .if you make a decision. Stand by it.. own it ..don’t be a victim of what other people think ..

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:19 PM

    @Fozz: You seem to be forgetting that a womans pregnancy is the result of sexual intercouse between (in most cases) two consenting persons. So therefore the persons have to make their own decissions on how the pregnancy continues. I won’t presume that anyone outside of that relationship can make that decision for them. All I am saying here is that there are choices if people are prepared to live with the consequences of their actions along with their conscience.

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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:35 PM

    @Suzie Sunshine: the point is why did she allow herself the possibility of becoming pregnant in the first place? Surely if she did not want to be pregnant she should have either protected herself or abstained from sex. Had the father no say!!! By not procreating she would not have had to make such a decision for another life.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:07 PM

    @Micheal S. O’ Ceilleachair: Abstinence doesn’t work,did you not know about this ?

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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:46 PM

    @Micheal S. O’ Ceilleachair: Yeah let’s punish the woman by making her raise a child she doesn’t want. She deserves it for having dirty sex when she shouldn’t have.. FFS grow up, The 1950′s are long gone.

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:28 PM

    @Rob Cahill: interesting comment. She doesn’t want the child so terminate it. It’s much more complicated than that unfortunately. You cannot just terminate living human beings in the early stages of their development because you feel like it. I’m for abortion in FFA, threat to woman’s life, mental health etc but this suggestion that nah I don’t want a baby just hoover it out and flush it down the jacks is simply abortion on demand. It’s destroying a life no matter what way you look at it and you need serious ethical justification for it IMO.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 6:17 PM

    @Rob Cahill: Over 3,500 Irish women are taking that journey to the UK each year,and these lads think that she should be forced to give birth to it.How sweet of them. Just give her easier access to a first trimester abortion in a safe environment,as no one should be forced to take a risk with their mental or physical health for something that they don’t want inside of them..

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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    Jun 29th 2017, 8:44 PM

    @Rob Cahill: Her’s was an abortion of convenience. If a person does not want to be pregnant then avoid getting pregnant.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 10:00 PM

    @Micheal S. O’ Ceilleachair: She got a safe,legal abortion,which happened over 40 years ago.It wasn’t convenient for her that she had to take the boat over to the UK,that part might please you..And 40 years later,we still have women travelling to the UK, for what is now an extremely ‘simple’ procedure..thanks in no small part to the abortion pills…And stop with your ‘avoiding’ getting pregnant hogwash,accidents will always happen..and so will abortions..

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    Mute Mike Igoe
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    Jun 30th 2017, 2:52 AM

    I wonder what Chris thinks about absentee Fathers. Should they be detained by the state and subject to a panel of three psychiatrists to determine whether they should be allowed to just run off. What prison sentence should they face if they can’t prove they had to not bother raising their offspring because they were certifiable suicidal? Should they be confined to a medical facility for 9 months? I wonder what Chris thinks. Chris? What say you?

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    Mute Mike Igoe
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    Jun 30th 2017, 2:55 AM

    @Chris Kirk: Ooh! I have another idea Chris! Fathers who run off and abandon a pregnancy should be sterilised. Are you writing this down, Chris? Of course you are, good man.

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    Mute D J Moore
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:45 PM

    There are obviously certain circumstances where Abortion may be necessary – but this is not one of them.

    Rights come with responsibility.

    Sometimes life throws you curveballs. It’s our responsibility to deal with them as best as we can. And to respect the innate Right To Life.

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    Mute Paul Foot
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:51 PM

    @D J Moore: it’s good that all of us have our own opinions – which should also be respected…

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    Mute Pollz
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:07 PM

    Agreed.. “She just didn’t want a baby” so she aborted it? I’m baffled on this subject and reactions so I agree with your comment and I’m out.

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    Mute Pollz
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:08 PM

    Sorry “I just didn’t want to be pregnant” as she quoted?

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:10 PM

    @D J Moore: capitalising random words doesn’t make your opinion a fact…

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    Mute Dublinguy2013
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:42 PM

    @Pollz: and that was her choice. Why does it concern you? And it’s called a fetus not a baby.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:57 PM

    @D J Moore: She was thrown a curveball & she hit it right out of the park..

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:58 PM

    @Pollz: She made a decision that millions of other women have made throughout the world -and thankfully, she got it done in a safe environment.

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    Mute Pollz
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:29 PM

    Dublinguy2013 seriously I’m not being dragged into ur petty shit as I stated.. Its not my concern but its my opinion like everyone else’s so do us a favour mate?

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    Mute Richard Carroll
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:42 PM

    @D J Moore: Totally agree with you. Healthcare reasons aside I am firmly in the ‘Right to Life’ camp.

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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:55 PM

    @Richard Carroll: Which is fine, If you get pregnant you are free to choose not to abort. But to think you have a say in others lives is ridiculous.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 8:02 PM

    @Richard Carroll: who has this “right to life” ? Explain it to me..Because I tell you this that no embryo has a right to be born..

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Jun 29th 2017, 9:36 PM

    @Francis Mc Carthy: you were once an embryo Francis and YOU were granted the right to life. Honestly, it’s not that difficult to understand. I bet you’re thankful that you had that right.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 30th 2017, 7:10 AM

    @Sean @114: You are talking emotional hogwash! No embryo has a right to be born.None.The majority(65%) don’t make it to the womb.Why don’t they have a right to be born…Go away and put your heart and soul into fighting for their right to be born ..Hilarious..

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    Mute Go on go on
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:11 PM

    Brid’s unmentioned baby would now be about 32. We can’t be sure as Brid reportedly says it was “about 1985″. She was supported by ” friends and family and everything” A sad reflection on society at that time. A taken life was not just unheralded, but unchronicled. Surely a life must be worth more than that.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:05 PM

    @Go on go on: That” baby” could have died at two years of age in a ‘car accident’,which was caused by reckless driving by Brid’s. She has been spared all of that torment ,thanks to that abortion.

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:43 PM

    @Go on go on: The embryo may or may have progressed to the stage of foetus, eventually reached viability, and, even lived to reached to the age of 32. Or it may have spontaneously aborted. Or had a fatal foetal abnormality. Or grown up and murdered 100 people at the age of 18. Your argument is ridiculous, there was no baby, and we can never know how things would have turned out.

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    Mute lorcmul
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:55 PM

    So she had a abortion merely because she didn’t want to be pregnant- is this a valid reason for repealing the 8th or is it showing why it should be kept?

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:02 PM

    @lorcmul: “merely’? Nothing ‘merely” about being pregnant…

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:18 PM

    @EvieXVI: It’s such a “walk” in the park.Sure,what could possibly go wrong \O/

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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:57 PM

    @lorcmul: For her yes it was.

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    Mute Michelle_Herbert
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:07 PM

    SHAME one is the reasons I turned from the church and left Ireland in the 80′s. Women made to feel ashamed if they used contraception, ashamed if they got pregnant out of wedlock, ashamed if they were rearing their child alone because the father chose to ignore his reponsibilities, ashamed because of needing financial assistance off the state, ashamed if they have an abortion. The only ones who should be ashamed are the narrow minded people who try to make women second class citizens.

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    Mute Kate Flaherty
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:10 PM

    @Michelle_Herbert: I think your so right “shame” was and still is inherent in Irish society, shame on the woman and I’m no feminazi!!…..

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    Mute Tonya McDonagh Curtis
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:41 PM

    @Michelle_Herbert: Hits the nail on the head. Well said Michelle.

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    Mute Zmeevo Libe
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    Jun 29th 2017, 6:57 PM

    @Michelle_Herbert: I was wondering about that while reading the comments. Disclosure: I am a woman in my 40s, I live in Ireland but am not Irish. Quite a few of my non-Irish friends had mentioned in the past they had an abortion, not to brag about but as a matter of fact if the topic came up in a female company. With my Irish female friends, the topic is carefully avoided. There is too much stigma. Most people on this tread say they never met anybody who had an abortion. Well, statistically that is not possible – they just don’t know that these women had an abortion.
    And this is why what Brid did is brave and important. All these women who for many years felt felt alone, felt they can’t tell anybody because people will turn their backs on them because they are “murderers”.

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    Mute Kate Flaherty
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:26 PM

    Whether you agree or not it is a very honest open frank account of her experience something she didn’t have to share, I might not agree with all of Bríd’s policies but she has passion and a sense of honesty about her….

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    Mute KerryBlueMike
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:51 PM

    Why didn’t she use contraception?

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    Mute Michelle Enright
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:54 PM

    @KerryBlueMike:
    Maybe contraception wasn’t an option , the circumstances behind the conception are no ones business , if everyone used contraception then you wouldn’t be here to talk shite

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    Mute meatyslaps
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:54 PM

    @KerryBlueMike: How do you know she didn’t?

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    Mute Tricia Golden
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:58 PM

    @KerryBlueMike: How do you know she didn’t?

    Or are you one of those people that have managed to miss the REPEATED fact that contraception is not 100% effective AND that the majority of women that do have abortions were using some form of contraception.

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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:00 PM

    @KerryBlueMike: how do you know she didn’t?!??

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    Mute Seán O'Keeffe
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:04 PM

    @KerryBlueMike: it was illegal.

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    Mute John Campbell
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:10 PM

    @Michelle Enright: if the circumstances behind the conception are no ones business then why don’t you complain about the making public of the abortion? Making political capital and personal popularity out of killing the unborn is disgusting.

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    Mute Seán O'Keeffe
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:17 PM

    @KerryBlueMike: she couldn’t. It was illegal in Ireland up until 1993.

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    Mute Mary King
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:20 PM

    @Seán O’Keeffe:
    Not in 1985 it wasn’t. Had been legalised in 1980

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    Mute KerryBlueMike
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:28 PM

    @Paul Foot: Good man Paul!

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    Mute KerryBlueMike
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:30 PM

    @Seán O’Keeffe: what was illegal got to do with it? If she could source an abortion she could source contraception.

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    Mute Dave Bruen
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:44 PM

    @Mary King: legalised under certain circumstances, I think married couples through GP. Condoms weren’t freely available until 1993

    http://www.thejournal.ie/open-thread-do-you-remember-when-buying-contraceptives-was-illegal-681590-Nov2012/%3Famp%3D1

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    Mute Shane o rourke
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:03 PM

    @Michelle Enright: then abstain from sex if she didn’t want to be pregnant.or use a different hole if she must

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:15 PM

    @Shane o rourke: Oh, you are so edgy :-) Who is going to abstain from sex for 30+ years ? You ? Good luck with it-yeah dope! And as for using a different hole,could you get out of the habit of trying to get people to do what you would like done to you :-)

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    Mute Michelle Enright
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    Jun 29th 2017, 7:30 PM

    @John Campbell: If she chose to speak publicly about having the abortion, that’s her decision, if she chose not to publicise the nitty gritty details of how she actually got pregnant then that too is her decision .

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    Mute Michelle Enright
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    Jun 29th 2017, 7:33 PM

    @Shane o rourke:
    Maybe she listened to a know it all about the “rhythm method ” and put her trust in that ? People who promote abstinence and celibacy are usually Paedos or priests ,

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    Mute Seeking Truth
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:49 PM

    What if she made the whole story up to get this issue highlighted in the media? Maybe she never had an abortion at all. How do we know she actually did?

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    Mute Tricia Golden
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:04 PM

    @Seeking Truth: Do you generally assume people are lying or just women?

    How easy for you to immediately disregard peoples life experiences if they can’t provide absolute evidence that an event happened. Even though approx 4 thousand women a year travel to the UK to procure an abortion. Are they all lying when giving their addresses or is it the clinics that are lying? Should they provide their records so you can “believe” them?

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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:56 PM

    @Tricia Golden: The number 1 reason people are pro life is because they don’t trust women.

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    Mute Seeking Truth
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:18 PM

    @Tricia Golden: in today’s world of fake news it just makes me wonder. And no I generally do not immediately think people are lying based on their life experience. I am just asking the question.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 8:06 PM

    @Seeking Truth: Do you honestly believe that she would put all of the crap on herself? Seriously? Look at what has happened to other people (Tara Flynn)that have done that and the abuse that they get …

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    Mute Celia Murphy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:23 PM

    With all due respect if she didn’t want to be pregnant then the responsible approach is to take precautions not to get pregnant to begin with. Absolute irresponsibility.

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    Mute Tricia Golden
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:57 PM

    @Celia Murphy: You’re aware that the majority of women that have abortions were using contraception AND usually is already a parent

    But hey, don’t be letting a little thing like documented fact to get in the way of your judgement.

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    Mute Celia Murphy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:12 PM

    @Tricia Golden: I won’t. .but thank you .

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:57 PM

    @Celia Murphy: Leave the ‘with all due respect’ out of it – you’re too busy judging to have any time left for respect (due or otherwise)

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    Mute Dave Hogan
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:08 PM

    Love watching brid on Vincent brown she gets her point across with simple language and does not resort to bullshit unlike many of her fellow guests.

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:25 PM

    @Dave Hogan: Having babies is not bullshit, it is a fact of life. The choice of keeping them is another issue. Sometimes I believe it might be better to have an unwanted pregnancy terminated, but the decision can be hard for some people based upon personal circumstances.

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    Mute Paul Foot
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:32 PM

    @Chris Kirk: your last point is as patronising as you can get – and only you…

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    Mute KerryBlueMike
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:54 PM

    @Dave Hogan: She’s a loon who’s to the left of Karl Marx. That woman along with the rest of the Vincent brown all stars would have us like Greece if they got their collective ways.

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    Mute Dave Hogan
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:56 PM

    @Chris Kirk: wasn’t referring to the abortion subject Chris meant in general, people have such strong views I avoid the subject.

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    Mute A H
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:09 PM

    @KerryBlueMike: like Greece? Sunny… and sea and cool beers. Yay go wan the Greece!

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:27 PM

    @Paul Foot: That is your own opinion because you are a bigotted person with a limited level of intellegence. Grow up for feck sake and stop trolling other peoples opinions with nasty comments….

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:29 PM

    @Dave Hogan: You are right, let it be..

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:01 PM

    @Chris Kirk: It is up to the woman involved and no-one else..If she regrets it afterwards,then hopefully there is good counselling services out there for her..

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    Mute Michelle Enright
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:52 PM

    Fair played to her for her honesty, why should she or any woman feel ashamed or even be made feel ashamed of her decision,

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    Mute KerryBlueMike
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:32 PM

    @Michelle Enright: Well I don’t think she should feel chuffed over the destruction of a viable life.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:21 PM

    @KerryBlueMike: Why shouldn’t she feel chuffed about ending an unwanted pregnancy ? I actually feel chuffed for her that she has gone on and been successful in life..and is happy too.Does the last bit hurt you the most ? That she is happy about her decision ..Weird if it is..

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:39 PM

    @Francis Mc Carthy: good “God”. What a comment. Speaks volumes. Feeling chuffed at ending a life. Sad.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 6:23 PM

    @Sean @114: I’m over the moon for her.Why should I have any feelings towards a non-sentient embryo that she had removed legally from her womb? She got on with the rest of her life and I am absolutely chuffed to see this ? Your lot would want to see her propping up some bar and drinking herself to oblivion being & also being miserably depressed ….

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    Mute Michelle Enright
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    Jun 29th 2017, 8:25 PM

    @Francis Mc Carthy: your absolutely right ! She could have ended up another statistic in this Country , either an unmarried mother who was frowned upon for her situation ( I don’t know if she was or wasn’t married at the time ) or a basket case in and out of mental health facilities because she Continued on with a pregnancy she didn’t want and it could have ruined her life and that of the child too , another child put into the states care

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Jun 29th 2017, 9:23 PM

    @Francis Mc Carthy: I’m not part of any “lot” Francis. You can’t label me in some fictional ‘camp’ that exists in your head because I don’t fall into your fanatic, aggressive pro-abortion looney group and I an no bible bashing stop abortion at all costs head case either. I know that you have said before that life doesn’t exist until after birth. Bizarre! You also agree with aborting at any stage up to birth for convenience because, incredibly, you don’t believe that life exists until a head pops out of a womb after 9 months. Your views can therefore be dismissed. Being “chuffed” about the ending of a life, early stage human development, is extremely sad but given you’re other confusion over what constitutes life, is not unexpected.

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Jun 29th 2017, 9:28 PM

    @Michelle Enright: Or she could have given birth to a beautiful child who once conceived she may have bonded strongly with and loved, cared and adored. But that child didn’t get that chance. Luckily we did. That child IS now just another statistic flushed down a toilet somewhere. It’s terrible that some warped individuals are ‘chuffed’ at this, the ending of life at a stage that they themselves passed through safely. And why? Convenience.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 9:46 PM

    @Sean @114: I said that it wasn’t a human being until it was born,and that is just my opinion.I never once said that it wasn’t alive,now you are just making stuff up.I also never said that I agree with abortion up till birth,,why would I ,as that would be called a C-section ….I am absolutely chuffed to bits that she is happy with her life ..Do you honestly believe that I am going to be worrying myself over someone that got rid of an embryo ,from her womb some 40 odd years ago ? To be honest with you,I wouldn’t even be worried if she got rid of it yesterday..I would still be chuffed for her ..I would say : ‘Brid,I wish you the best of luck’…Look Sean,you can worship another person’s human embryo all you like,but I won’t ..I don’t even shed a tear for the majority of human embryos that never make it to utero..If my partner and I ever had to make a decision on whether to end one of her pregnancies,it would have been ended with no remorse…That might sound cruel to you.. but any decision that we would have had to make ,would have sfa to do with you..ever..

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    Mute Michelle_Herbert
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:55 PM

    Yawn all the god botherers, misogynts, men and brain washed ppl stuck in the 50′s stating their opinions just highlights the pro choice outdated argument that wants to continue trying to shame women and treat them as second class. Guaranteed the majority of them looked down on the single mothers over the years.

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    Mute 6ljJQRRU
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:16 PM

    @Michelle_Herbert: rant rant rant. Must be tough being a feminist.

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    Mute Michelle_Herbert
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:25 PM

    @6ljJQRRU: just stating the pro life position and facts. Sick of your out dated opinions and attitudes

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:35 PM

    @Michelle_Herbert: name calling and sweeping generalisations just reflect badly on you. A recent IT poll revealed that 80% of citizens didn’t want abortion on demand. Are they all living in the 50s just because they don’t share the same morals as you?

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    Mute Michelle_Herbert
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    Jun 29th 2017, 11:19 PM

    @Sean @114: I don’t feel bad thanks the years of being made to feel less than anyone else and ashamed for being a woman in Ireland are gone. The citizens assembly is more reflective and relevant for the much needed changes to women’s healthcare than an IT poll. I find abortion on demand is an interesting term and patronising. Bottom line Sean it’s not about me being right it’s about women having access to safe and appropriate healthcare options nothing has changed with regard to that since the 50′s so hence my comment. Ppl are entitled to their opinions even if they are not moving with the times

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    Mute coyote ugly
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:36 PM

    At least she managed to get a few pints in afterwards.

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    Mute lavbeer
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:50 PM

    @coyote ugly: didn’t

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    Mute Maire Kelly
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:54 PM

    Ashamed is not the right terminology for her act – Guilty of destroying her mothers grandchild !

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    Mute Kate Flaherty
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:08 PM

    @Maire Kelly: For goodness sake I have my own reservations when it comes to abortion on demand but statements like the one you’ve just made are laughable and make a mockery of the entire debate….

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:17 PM

    @Maire Kelly: FFS!

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    Mute neube2b
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:41 PM

    @Maire Kelly: ha ha dont know if your being sarcastic or not, but that is either the best of most f…ed up comment yet.

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    Mute Michael
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:17 PM

    Brid Smith appears to be saying that to have an abortion is nothing to be ashamed of. Other pro abortion campaigners say that it’s a simple procedure with no risk either physically or mentally during or after. So I presume they’re also campaigning for men to have the same right post conception to control their fertility. To do otherwise would be against the concept of equality and give one gender control over the others fertility. As most of the people who campaign for abortion also campaign for gender equality. If they didn’t support it for men they would be leaving themselves open to being called gender bigots.

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:10 PM

    @Michael: I think we’re all for men being in control of their own fertility. But I don’t think you understand what it means. For reference, it means the ability of the man’s sperm to fertilize the ovum. A woman can’t ‘control’ a man’s fertility anymore than a man can control a woman’s. Simples. Post conception, fertility doesn’t matter to man or woman.

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    Mute Keith McDonagh
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:13 PM

    She found herself in a certain situation, she had a choice, she thought about it & she did what she thought was best for herself. Why should she be ashamed of it? It’s your life, you do whatever you think is right for yourself.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:46 PM

    @Keith McDonagh: Some people just cannot get over that fact that there will always be a certain percentage of women,who will continue to end unwanted pregnancies..And for that reason alone,it should be carried out in a safe,legal setting..But of course,we cannot be having them procedures being carried out on Irish soil…Oh wait..

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    Mute 6ljJQRRU
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:04 PM

    This woman is a disgrace! Didn’t fancy having a baby so just killed it. Culture of no responsibility.

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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:43 PM

    @6ljJQRRU: it was a fetus, not a baby. It had no heartbeat. Do you realise that slander can land you in court with a fine of 10,000+ and jail? You have publicly indicated that she is a killer, and a baby killer at that. Your words cannot be deleted from the net.

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    Mute Michelle_Herbert
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:58 PM

    @6ljJQRRU: if I’m ranting what are you doing? Typical pro life troll

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    Mute Shane o rourke
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:41 PM

    @Sam Glynn: why are you trying to silence his opinion if you’re right your opinions should be able to stand on their own.using threats of slander is farcical

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    Mute Michelle Enright
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    Jun 29th 2017, 8:29 PM

    @6ljJQRRU: how quick the conversation would change and the whole idea of abortion if men actually had to give birth or be pregnant ! I’d bet my life that if men were the baby birthed then abortion would never have been illegal

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    Mute María Eugenia Baiardi
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    Jun 29th 2017, 10:15 PM

    I wish men could get pregnant. We wouldn’t be having this debate at all.

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    Mute marg fitzgerald
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    Jun 29th 2017, 9:04 PM

    This is a case of ,one of the untouchables has spoken ,so if you criticise you are a right wing reactionary moron and you must be a Catholic extreemist. I am neither and I think ending a life because ‘I didn’t want to be pregnant” is outrageous. ‘I don’t remember exactly when I did this but I remember the name of the pub I went to afterwards ‘speaks volumes .
    This is an attempt to silence pro life voices by making it personal

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 9:48 PM

    @marg fitzgerald: it is as good as a reason as any..

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    Mute James Keogh
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:31 PM

    Was it done for a specific health or mental reason,
    Was it for a selfish reason,
    Who is to Judge,
    Only the person herself,

    Not I,
    Sorry,

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    Mute mac.kerel
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:06 PM

    Well, you should. Abortion for convenience sake… Disgusting

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:11 PM

    @mac.kerel: does the truth hurt?.The fact is, a termination doesn’t leave every woman who has one tormented for the rest of her life.

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    Mute mac.kerel
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:34 PM

    @EvieXVI: I’m sure not all killers feel remorse…

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    Mute Paul Foot
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:40 PM

    @mac.kerel: or idiots feel freedom…

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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 12:57 PM

    @mac.kerel: what you on about killers for.?She hasn’t killed anyone! Are you on the wrong article?

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    Mute Tricia Golden
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:01 PM

    Ah, come on lads, you’re wasting your time.

    If the person you’re debating believes women are “murdering babies” you haven’t a hope of making them see sense.

    That or they’re making deliberately inflammatory crazy statements to get a reaction.

    Either way, I’d not bother feeding into their game.

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    Mute mac.kerel
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:05 PM

    @Sam Glynn: I will explain it to you then. first of all, my response is to a comment where someone stated that not all women feel bad after an abortion. This is quite possibly true and you could compare it to a situation where a killer does not feel remorse even if others find his actions despicable. It is an interesting analogy as, in this case, I actually think (based on scientific knowledge not religion BTW) that a distinctive being (a person) is created at the time of conception. Therefore abortion is murder.

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:14 PM

    @mac.kerel: I’m sure they don’t but I don’t believe that terminating a pregnancy is murder- nor do many people. You have an opinion, fine, don’t have an abortion.

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    Mute mac.kerel
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    Jun 29th 2017, 1:31 PM

    @EvieXVI: it is not a personal matter, as there is another being involved. It’s not something you can choose to do or not. It would be very similar to any offence/crime. It’s not good enough to say if you believe stealing is wrong, don’t steal; meanwhile those who believe stealing is OK will be allowed to steal. Obviously the status of the unborn is of crucial importance here. I claim that scientific knowledge informs us that an unborn child is in fact a distinctive human being (as it has a unique DNA) from the moment of conception and should be legally protected.

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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:30 PM

    @mac.kerel: “based on scientific knowledge…..abortion is murder” . I take it you don’t have much interest in science since it has been proven that what is created at time of conception is only the embryo, at between 8-12 weeks the heart starts forming and beating and the fetus starts to grow further. How can something be called a person if it has no heart or oboviously a heartbeat?
    You are effectively slandering this women and labeling her as a murder on a public social media fourm.
    I’m curious, if I told you I had a termination would you label me the same publicly?
    Would you call your mother a killer if she told you she had an abortion before she had you?
    Would you call you sister a murderer if she told you she flew to the UK last year to terminate an embryo?

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    Mute Shane o rourke
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    Jun 29th 2017, 2:59 PM

    @Tricia Golden:at what point does the organism status change from clump of cells to child then?we’ll have a real debate on whether it’s murder or not?

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    Mute mac.kerel
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:17 PM

    @Sam Glynn: you are ridiculous. “It has been proven that what is created at the time of conception is only an embryo”. It has been proven that a human being straight after birth is a baby. It has been proven that a baby that starts to walk around and explore is a toddler. How about these “scientific” statements? These are just names, nothing real. Names of different stages in development of the same organism. While this organism changes it remains the same. I’m gonna argue that a new born baby is is as similar to “an embryo” as a 90yr old is similar to himself when he was a newborn.
    As to the rest of your questions: yes, I would.

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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:21 PM

    @Shane o rourke: at about 12 weeks the embryo is growing into a fetus and organs start to develop, at this point the heart will start beating and at this stage I think it is safe to call it a ‘child’ without being scientifically wrong. Abortion clinics don’t generally abort after the 12week point, even in UK.

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    Mute Tricia Golden
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:25 PM

    @Shane o rourke: At this point I think I need to start just keeping a copy of my opinion to copy and paste in this question get’s asked to often.

    1 – 22-24 weeks is what the medical community recognise as when a fetus becomes viable to survive outside the womb (hence the 24 week cutoff that a lot of countries have legislated for)
    2 – The VAST majority of abortions occur prior to 12 weeks so LONG before the fetus could survive.
    3 – The VAST majority of abortions occur between 12 weeks to 24 weeks are performed because something has gone wrong in a wanted pregnancy which is a reason for not reducing the limit from 22-24 weeks.
    4 – Any pregnant woman and does not want to be pregnant will abort that pregnancy as SOON as they can. Late term abortions that don’t involve some terrible issue just don’t happen.

    I’ll conclude with this. NO ONE has the right to use another person’s body to facilitate their own survival. I can’t demand the use of another person’s organs to save my life, it can only happen with the consent of that person.
    Forcing women to remain pregnant when they are CLEARLY saying they do NOT consent gives an embryo or fetus MORE rights than any other person on the planet.

    That’s not murder.

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    Mute Sam Glynn
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:34 PM

    @mac.kerel: do u want to meet me face to face in a garda station with cameras recording for live social media feed and call me a killer to my face? I would love to recieve 10,000 in court from you for slander if you do.Everything else you said at the start if your comment is absolutely wrong and full of bull$hit and you know it. Go talk to a doctor, or biology professor for yourself and then hang your own head in shame for banging on the way you do. “You are who you hang out with ” as the old saying goes, so I presume u and the company u keep think u are correct, I suggest u find new people who have a bit more knowledge than u on this matter and hopefully then u will be educated and have ur mind opened up so won’t feel the need to label people as baby killers publicly on social media

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:39 PM

    @Sam Glynn: It’s best to stick to medical /scientific facts,especially when you’re dealing with antis..They don’t like you using the term ‘Fatal Foetal Abnormality’..so it’s best to not use the term “unborn child”…

    There is no “child” in the womb,it is either an embryo or a foetus. A “child” is usually aged 3 to 13 ..

    An embryo or a foetus has the same right to use another persons body as a born person has…which is by consent only.

    So why should the embryo/foetus have more rights than any born person?

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:43 PM

    @mac.kerel: You are so wrong lad.There is some huge differences between ‘gestational stages’ and actual ‘human being stages’..But keep loving the ZEF above the actual born human being.I do find it quite adorable :-)

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    Mute Dermot Foley
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:52 PM

    @Sam Glynn: agreed. Well said.

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    Mute Francis Mc Carthy
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    Jun 29th 2017, 3:55 PM

    @Shane o rourke: Murder is a legal term ,yes ? So how can getting an embryo removed from your womb be classed as “murder” ? Do tell.

    And ,you must also remember that the Irish government give women the information on where to procure a safe ,LEGAL abortion. Best to end that debate,now..

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    Mute Shane o rourke
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:17 PM

    @Tricia Golden: “no one has the right to use another persons body to facilitate their own survival”it’s as if your talking about a parasite and a host.if a person feels like that then remove their ability to have children i.e their womb.22-24 weeks is acceptable?when I saw my child’s 12 week scan it’s was a human being just like anyone else by that stage.by week 4 the child is 10000 times the size the fertilised eggs were,there’s the beginnings of eyes legs and hands,brainwaves are detectable,mouth and lips are present.because you use bullet points and capital letters doesn’t validate your nonsense

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:23 PM

    @mac.kerel: Sorry but you’re wrong. It obviously IS something that a woman can choose to do. It is NOT illegal. And, BTW, unique DNA is does make organism a ‘distinctive human being’

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    Mute mac.kerel
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:30 PM

    @EvieXVI: so, what DOES make something a distinctive human being if not their unique DNA? The fact they emerged from a womb? Please do tell?

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    Mute Tricia Golden
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    Jun 29th 2017, 4:35 PM

    @Shane o rourke: Use whatever emotive words you want. The simple fact is that in order for an embryo to develop to the point that it can live outside the womb it does share a parasitic relationship with it’s mother.

    Clearly you understand that as advanced as science is it has not yet found a way to gestate a pregnancy without a woman. And FORCING women to continue to carry a clearly unwanted pregnancy is wrong no matter how many times you want to try and GUILT them into it with emotive descriptions of a developing fetus!

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:05 PM

    @mac.kerel: Even plants have unique DNA; I think that you might be mixing up DNA and genes. DNA is simply a combination of chemicals, no more an indication of humanity that carbon. As for what makes a distinct human being? That would be their combination of genes. At what point this combination becomes a human being (which, I think is what you actually are on about) is a point of debate for centuries. Many (and I’m one) believe it is more about consciousness than chemical constituents. And this certainly can’t be proven in, say, a four-week-old embryo.

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    Mute EvieXVI
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:11 PM

    @Shane o rourke: Just have to point out the obvious – by 4 weeks gestation, we’re takling about an embryo. We don’t usually use the term child until at about 3 or 4 years post birth….women don’t give birth to embryos, or teenagers, or children, but to babies…it’s just the way life is.

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    Mute Shane o rourke
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:26 PM

    @Tricia Golden: I’m not trying to use guilt.your entitled to your opinion but for the record I’m not accusing anyone of murder as a number of parties are involved in termination I just don’t agree with it as a lifestyle choice however extreme circumstances I would be ok with.well not completely ok with but I could possibly understand

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    Mute Shane o rourke
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    Jun 29th 2017, 5:34 PM

    @EvieXVI: it’s still a life whatever adjective you wish to attach

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    Jun 29th 2017, 6:14 PM

    @Shane o rourke: They’r not adjectives, they’re nouns. And plants have a life, in the sense that they are living. The point at which this ‘life’ becomes a human life is debatable, but an embryo is not viable, that’s a simple fact. A 13-week-old foetus is not viable. Another fact.

    Late term abortions are rare, in the vast majority of cases, when a pregnancy is terminated, it is long before viability. The only ‘person’ involved is the woman.

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    Jun 30th 2017, 10:11 AM

    @EvieXVI: I don’t care about what term it takes place and comparing a plant to a child shows what a massive piece of crap you are as a human

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    Mute Misha B
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    Jun 30th 2017, 7:02 PM

    I think “not wanting to be pregnant” is a very weak excuse for having an abortion.”Bravery” to me would have been to carry that baby to full term and do the very best I could for that little life.That might have meant adoption or whatever .I do not want to hurt anyone but to stop a beating heart is just wrong ,wrong ,wrong.

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    Mute Margaret Mcgarry
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    Jun 30th 2017, 11:22 AM

    She never felt ashamed. Hundreds of women seek counselling years after having an abortion as they do feel ashamed. Not to feel shame isn’t Something to be proud of. I wouldn’t call her strong , hard is what I’d call her

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    Mute Aine O Connor
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    Jun 30th 2017, 1:08 AM

    Brid Smith deserves compassion because whether she admits it or not a decision to abort is traumatic for any woman . She said herself she is not ashamed but unfortunately the brain has no delete key and one will always reflect from time to time what might have been.

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    Mute Janina Schmae
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    Jul 7th 2017, 12:13 PM

    @Luke Adam Cassidy: Why do people always have to work their butts off, suffer and provide care to babies they never wanted. Why not work for a world of wanted children, no poverty and no drudgery and more fun. People should not be slaves to reproduction to provide workers and soldiers

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