Gianna Jessen is a rare and unusual woman with an amazing story. 28 years ago she survived a saline abortion when she was 7 months in utero. Despite her cerebral palsy, which she has described as a gift and is a legacy of the abortion, Gianna has traveled the world with her powerful testimony. She is living evidence of the humanity of the unborn child and the fact that abortion takes a human life.
Ultrasound, the pro-life student network formed by Youth Defence, were delighted when Gianna agreed to undertake a tour of Irish colleges. Bookings and arrangements were made and materials printed and distributed in Ireland's largest universities.
However, while students across the country gave Gianna a rapturous welcome, powerful forces in Ireland's largest university were determined to prevent students at University College Dublin (UCD) from hearing her testimony. Ultrasound was told by UCD's administrators that they had to provide insurance for the event, which they arranged. On the morning of Ms. Jessen's talk, however, the pro-life group were told the insurance did not meet requirements and that the talk could not go ahead.
Despite every effort of Ultrasound, UCD's would not let Ms. Jessen speak. It then transpired that no insurance broker could provide the sort of insurance demanded by UCD for this event, since they were requiring insurance cover which would be necessary to facilitate a extreme risk event — something Gianna Jessen certainly is not, except perhaps to the pro-abortion movement. This sort of insurance has never before been demanded by UCD to allow a speaker and it would seem that this obstacle was raised to prevent Ms. Jessen's story being heard.
Universities are meant to be places of discussion and learning; it is to UCD's shame that they effectively banned this young woman and her amazing story.
Ultrasound has asked that concerned international supporters write or email the following:
- Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, TD (Head of State) at taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie.
- Dr. Hugh Brady, UCD President's Office at president@ucd.ie.
- His Excellency Noel Fahey, Irish Embassy USA at embirlus@aol.com.
- His Excellency Martin Burke, Irish Embassy Canada embassyofireland@rogers.com.
We are building a register of complaints. Please send a copy of your email to info@ultrasoundstudents.org or a copy of your letter 60a Capel Street, Dublin 1.
For more information contact Eoghan De Faoite at 353876524935 or Una at 353876877477.
- (This update is courtesy of the Christian Communication Network.)
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