YD member Kate Cullen went undercover to a "Choice Ireland" conference recently and reports back from the poorly-attended event.

“Recently, I embarked on an adventure into the world of pro-abortion Ireland. Choice Ireland were holding their Annual conference this past weekend and I decided to attend, so I went undercover along with another member of YD, to keep an eye on the activity of this organization, in hopes that we may better serve the pro-life community as well as strive to convert the hearts of pro-abortion activists.

Upon entering the venue, I was struck by the lack of people at their supposed ‘annual conference’. There were just barely 20 people there, and that was including the two of us undercover pro-lifers. The speakers were all approximately two generations older than me. The speakers included: Dr. Anne Rossitter, who spoke of the UK ‘abortion experience; Sandra McEvoy, who gave a history of abortion from the 1861 Act onwards; Dr. Ailbhe Smyth, who spoke extensively about her homosexual escapades as well as 1983 Amendment; and then the leader of Choice Ireland Sinead Ahern who went on at length about the current abortion situation and the future of the pro-abortion movement in Ireland. I was not surprised by anything that was discussed, although I was disgusted by the way that abortion was approached by these people who claim to be promoting human rights.

At no stage was a man even mentioned, except in a derogatory sense. One speaker bizarrely claimed that “men and society force women to be mothers”. I do not have any children myself (yet), but it was laughable to think that motherhood is usually “forced” upon women. To this conference, motherhood and children are not gifts, but rather curses. Secondly, the baby was never mentioned. Abortion was likened to a ‘tumour’ to be removed or some disease that needed to be remedied. The child in the womb is not a tumor, nor a parasite to be destroyed, and it was disturbing that this is how it was presented at the conference.

A surprising revelation coming out of the conference is that pro-aborts plan to rally for another abortion referendum in 2012. They highlighted the history of referenda in 1992, 2002, and now they have their sights set on the next 10 year mark, which would be 2012. They have decided, (without any input from reality, it seems) that every time there is an abortion referendum, the public view of abortion softens. No concrete plans for moving forward were suggested but they said they intended to rally politicians and political parties to help push a referendum campaign to the forefront. They also intend to continue their battle against ‘rogue pregnancy counselling centers’ (as they call them) and they are passionate about rallying against ‘the Lifers’, which was their nickname for pro-life activists. ( I actually kind of love that nickname! The Lifers!) Bitter comments were made by delegates in regard to the ubiquitous campaigning by Youth Defence, and delegates were urged to match YD’s commitment to the cause.

Overall, the whole experience made me sad for these women (and the one man in attendance at the conference), who are obviously hurting and completely misguided. It also made me see how blessed I am to be a part of a movement that is so zealous, joyful, and that revolves around love. We must continue to rise up, stronger than ever. We must strive to convert hearts, in order to change minds. Love conquers all, thus we have nothing to worry about when it comes to these pro-abortionists who are in search of nothing more than a soapbox to rail from.”