TUAM ARCHBISHOP RE-AFFIRMS CONCERNS ON ABORTION LEGISLATION
Galway Bay Fm newsroom
The Archbishop of Tuam says he is fearful of what he terms the 'suicide clause' in the protection of life during pregnancy bill.
Michael Neary made the comments at the launch of the Mayo suicide liaison project which took place in Ballyheane last evening. (Fri.June 14th)
The protection of life during pregnancy bill 2013 was published this week and restates the general prohibition on abortion in Ireland.
In his speech last evening, Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary, said the inclusion of a 'suicide clause' in the proposed bill could have the effect of normalising it.
In doing so, he added, the state could be seen as legitimising it and thereby sending mixed signals to young people who are most at risk.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Neary says the experience of priests and others working in the community suggests that increasing numbers of older people are seeing suicide as an escape from isolation or loss of independence from old age.
He says a key to reducing the numbers of people who die through suicide to increase our capacity as individuals and a community to identify those at risk and to assist them in finding appropriate help.