We're very glad to pass on the good news that the Northside People newspaper has withdrawn all future advertising for the abortion agency Marie Stopes following numerous calls of complaint this week.

On November 24th we received calls from residents of Dublin’s northside who were shocked and angry to see a full-page ad in the free newspaper for abortion referral agents, Marie Stopes, who were touting for business to boost their share of their grisly abortion industry.

We told callers to make a complaint to the Northside People immediately and sent out an Urgent Action Required ezine to our supporters to do the same. Marie Stopes International is one of the largest abortion providers in the world, and Youth Defence issued a statement that the inclusion of the ad was “deeply inappropriate”, was “clearly not welcomed by readers of the newspaper” and “allowed an abortion agency to tout for business”.

Later that day the newspaper group confirmed they would no longer be running the ad.

“We’re very glad to see this ad has been pulled,” said Rebecca of YD. “Marie Stopes is increasing its Irish advertising and we need to make sure that people are aware of, and responding to, this development. At the end of the day newspapers won’t carry ads that upset their readers.”

One woman who rang the office told Youth Defence that several years ago she had been persuaded to have an abortion by Marie Stopes. Following the abortion, she was deeply upset and returned to Marie Stopes seeking counseling. They told her they could provide the counseling – at a price of €60 an hour. She said her experience has been devastating, and to see the advert in her local paper was very upsetting.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to make their voice heard for mothers and babies. Well done!!