The Northside People newspaper in Dublin has withdrawn all future advertising for the abortion agency Marie Stopes following a storm of protest.

The previous day, Youth Defence had sent out a Urgent Action Notice after they had received calls from residents of Dublin’s Northside who were shocked to see a full-page ad in the newspaper for abortion referral agents, Marie Stopes, who were touting for business to boost their share of their grisly abortion industry.

Youth Defence told callers to make a complaint to the Northside People immediately and urged their ezine readers to do the same. Marie Stopes International is one of the largest abortion providers in the world, and Youth Defence issued a statement today that the inclusion of the ad was “deeply inappropriate”, was “clearly not welcomed by readers of the newspaper” and “allowed an abortion agency to tout for business”.

“We’re very glad to see this ad has been pulled,” said Rebecca of YD. “Marie Stopes is increasing its Irish advertising and we need to make sure that people are aware of, and responding to, this development. At the end of the day newspapers won’t carry ads that upset their readers.”

One woman who rang the office told Youth Defence that several years ago she had been persuaded to have an abortion by Marie Stopes. Following the abortion, she was deeply upset and returned to Marie Stopes seeking counselling. They told her they could provide the counselling – at a price of €60 an hour. She said her experience has been devastating, and to see the advert in her local paper was very upsetting.

Youth Defence said a sincere "thank you" to everyone who took the time to make their voice heard for mothers and babies. It might also be a good idea to call or email the Northside People and thank them for listening to their readers. (Tel: 003531 8162902 / email reception@dublinpeople.com)

Source: Youth Defence

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