Pro Choice Campaign Report

Update from Saturday's meeting

Over 60 pro choice activists from all political backgrounds and none gathered last Saturday in the Central Hotel on Exchequer St to discuss the Irish pro choice campaign and strategise for the future. In addition, over two hundred euro was raised in a whip around which will go a long way to getting some of the many great initiatives decided upon on Saturday going.

The meeting was chaired by Ivana Bacik, Reid Professor of Law at Trinity College, with workshops facilitated by Aileen O’Carroll (WSM), Aoife Cook (RAG Collective), and Ailbhe Smyth (WERRC, UCD).

Although briefly distracted by loud shouting from one lone Youth Defence member who found his way in, the meeting was extremely productive and settled on a number of action points to be worked on.

1.Targeting of “rogue” crisis pregnancy agencies – Possible action(s) on International Womens’ Day (March 8th)
2.Compilation of large contact database of pro choice activists
3.Public meeting in the Mansion House sometime between now and May
4.Film showing in the IFI to coincide with the X Case anniversary (March 5th)
5.Setting up of pro choice student groups on campuses
6.Postcard campaign looking for pledges from politicians to legislate along the lines of the X case decision
7.Establishment of a “Social Workers for Choice” group (in addition to the already established Doctors for Choice and Lawyers for Choice.)
8.Contacts to be made with womens groups in Ireland
9.“Welcome committee” initiative with womens’ groups in the UK to be investigated.

There will be a further planning meeting to advance these initiatives this Saturday 3rd February at 6pm in Seomra Spraoi. Seomra Spraoi is a social space on Ormand Quay, directly opposite the Clarence Hotel on the north side of the Liffey. It is beside a property agents and has a big blue door. Press the button marked "Artist seomra" and you will be let in.

All are welcome.

(Note - Some of the emails collected on Saturday couldn't be read - I sent an email out this evening to the list but if anyone hasn't received it or would like to be added please contact me.)