PR: Abortion Survivor Speaks at College after Speech Cancelled
02.12.2005
Gianna Jessen, the woman who survived a failed abortion attempt gave an informal speech at NUI Galway after college officials cancelled her official speech claiming pro-life organisers misled them.
NUI Galway administration contacted Ultrasound just before the Revelation Tour began, and said they were going to cancel their booking because they didn't have a “balanced debate” - they didn't have a speaker arguing against Gianna and Mark. (They later told the press that it was because the topic of the lecture was supposed to be cerebral palsy – which Gianna Jessen does in fact have as a result of the attempted abortion). It transpired that this need for a balanced debate was not a written policy but a requirement only asked of Ultrasound for their Tour! Despite a signed contract NUI Galway administration said they would not allow the talk to go ahead. But this time the Ultrasound members were not going to allow free speech to be trampled into the dust.
Gianna and Mark were to give their testimony at 7 in the evening. Hundreds of students turned up at the appointed hour but security guards refused them entrance to the theatre. Eoghan de Faoite, the YD chairman, then plugged the sound system into a wall in the large foyer and asked the huge crowd assembled if they wanted to hear Gianna Jessen. A roar of approval arose and the testimonies were given there and then to warm applause. A triumph of ingenuity over intolerence.
"Ms Jessen delivered an impassioned address from the balcony of the lobby to the assembled students who gave her a warm reception. A victory for free speech and the right of this incredible woman to be heard," a student told the Galway newspaper.
Ultrasound was formed in 2002 and consists of pro-life students at various universities in the country. This is its third college roadshow but the first featuring international speakers.
Universities are meant to be places of discussion and learning; it is to NUIG’s shame that they effectively banned this young woman and her amazing story.
Ultrasound has asked that concerned supporters email the following:
An tUachtarán (The President) Dr Iognáid G. Ó Muircheartaigh
Registrar & Deputy-President Professor James Browne
- Registrar office
We are building a register of complaints. Please send a copy of your email / letter to or 60a Capel Street, Dublin 1
For more information contact Eoghan de Faoite on 353 87 6524935
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