Earlier this month, at least 70,000 pro-life Irish gathered to march in the All Ireland Rally for Life. “Save the 8th” was the theme of this year’s march, referring to the Irish Constitution’s 8th amendment, which protects the lives of preborn children. Recently, a referendum on the amendment was announced by the newly elected Taoiseach Leo Varankar. Clearly, pro-life opposition to this referendum is strong, and reinforced by the thousands of people who took a stand against abortion at the rally.
According to Life Site News:
Like many pro-life marches, the media tried to downplay numbers, and some outlets tried to reduce it to “Pro Life and Pro Choice groups take part in opposing rallies in Dublin.” However, this year’s rally was so big that it was difficult to ignore. Outlets were forced to issue corrections acknowledging the numbers, and the Irish Independent conceded that “the pro-choice campaigners were significantly outnumbered.”
Despite the fact that Ireland faces pressure on all sides for it’s laws upholding the sanctity of life, this month’s rally makes it clear that Irish citizens aren’t afraid to stand up for their convictions. The rally’s numbers were even higher that anticipated! Constitution quotes Niamh Uí Bhriain of the Life Institute who said, “We were expecting 50,000 but as the Rally moved through Dublin City, up to 80,000 people brought the city to a standstill as they joined in to Save the 8th.”
The uplifting event included moving speakers Karen Gaffney and Vicky Wall, among others. Gaffney, who has down-syndrome, advocates on behalf of preborn children with the disorder. Wall spoke on behalf of her daughter, who was diagnosed with a life limiting condition, reminding the crowd of the importance of respecting every life at no matter what stage or condition.
With so much of the world celebrating pro-choice ideals, it’s encouraging to see the Irish people standing up for the rights of the preborn. This month’s rally was a great, concrete example of the continued significance of the pro-life community, even in the face of the opposing liberal media and surrounding governments.
