The Pro Life Campaign (PLC) has written to the Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, calling for an urgent investigation into the treatment of babies born alive in Irish hospitals following abortion procedures. The letter follows disturbing revelations from the HSE, in response to a parliamentary question from Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn, confirming that 12 babies were born alive after abortion in 2022 and died soon afterwards.
The PLC has also examined data from National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC) reports from 2019 to 2022. The reports show that at least 84 babies were born alive in Irish hospitals after abortion during this period. This information raises grave concerns about the standard of medical care provided to these babies.
In its correspondence, the Pro Life Campaign has asked the Ombudsman for Children to investigate whether the rights of these children are being respected, to clarify what clinical safeguards exist, and to consider the appointment of an independent advocate to ensure their protection. The group has also asked the Ombudsman to assess whether Ireland’s legal framework is adequate or whether it leaves such children vulnerable to discrimination compared to other newborns.
Commenting on the issue, Pro Life Campaign spokesperson Eilís Mulroy said:
“It is truly shocking to learn that so many babies have been born alive after abortion in Ireland – 84 in total from 2019 to 2022 – and that there isn’t clarity about what so-called ‘comfort care’ means and what standard of medical care is being provided to these babies.
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“We appreciate and respect the stellar work of so many doctors dedicated to saving lives and ensuring their patients are as well and comfortable as they can be. However, it would seem naive to assume that a newborn baby’s right to healthcare is respected in all cases by doctors who have already been prepared to set aside the same baby’s right to life.
“It’s clear that we are not talking about a few isolated cases. The HSE response indicated that in 2022 alone, nine babies who were born alive after abortion had reached 22–27 weeks gestation, and another two even reached 28–31 weeks gestation. Another 23 babies were stillborn after abortion between 22 and 27 weeks gestation in the same year, according to NPEC’s report.
”Ms Mulroy continued:
“Back in 2018 soon after the abortion referendum, the then Minister for Health Simon Harris accused TDs in the Dáil of resorting to ‘shock tactics’ for raising concerns about babies being born alive after abortion and the care they might receive. We now know that the concerns raised are grounded in harsh reality and should not have been dismissed. This is first and foremost a humanitarian issue and it is why we are asking the Ombudsman for Children to act without delay.”
See letter for Ombudsman for Children here.
LifeNews Note: File photo.
