The Programme for Government, outlining Ireland’s future plans, contains minimal reference to abortion. The commitment to “ensure equitable access to termination of pregnancy services in maternity hospitals” could spark conflicts with healthcare professionals over conscience rights.

The Neglected Spiral of Abortion Rates

The document remains silent on the escalating abortion rates, a significant oversight. Beyond the moral considerations, ignoring the impact on Ireland’s plummeting birth rate is politically and economically reckless.

In 2023, the Department of Health recorded 10,033 abortions in Ireland, more than triple the number of individuals who traveled to Britain for terminations in 2018. Early indications suggest a similar figures for 2024, potentially nearing 50,000 abortions since January 2019.

Understanding the Numbers and Trends

The annual abortion rates show a pattern of steady increase, starting at 6,666 in 2019, rising to 6,577 in 2020, and peaking at 10,033 in 2023. These figures highlight the issue’s urgency.

With a projected 100,000 abortions by the end of the next Dáil term, Ireland faces a worsening crisis. In 2023, less than 55,000 births were recorded, indicating a significant mismatch between terminations and conceptions.

The Societal Impact and Policy Challenges

Abortion rates are approaching critical levels, affecting the national birth rate profoundly. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reported a fertility rate of 1.5 in Q2 2024, far below the replacement level of 2.1.

This decline can be attributed to a cultural shift towards individualism, where family life and childrearing are perceived as obstacles rather than personal fulfillment. Governments play a crucial role in fostering and supporting family life, which is being overlooked.

JD Vance’s Urgent Call for Change

In his first public speech at the March for Life in Washington, Vice President JD Vance emphasized the importance of recognizing the obligation to future generations. He called for policies that encourage having and raising children.

Vance highlighted the need for government support, including tax incentives for young parents, to make family life more accessible and appealing. His statement echoes the global challenge of declining birth rates and failing family support systems.

Comparing Ireland’s Policies to the U.S.

Vance’s remarks resonate with the cultural and policy gaps in Ireland, where family life remains undervalued under current governance.

Despite ample state resources from corporate taxation, Ireland has failed to increase Child Benefit for over a decade. The government also neglects tax credits for the most significant expense for most families: raising children.

The Implications of Neglect

The combination of high abortion rates and low birth rates signals a looming societal crisis. Expert warnings suggest that failing to address this will lead to civilizational chaos, affecting stability, prosperity, and economic growth.

By focusing excessively on abortion access rather than understanding why women seek terminations, policymakers are ignoring a broader societal issue.

The Role of Government and Citizens

The rise of individualism in Ireland parallels global trends where family values are increasingly undervalued. Policies neglecting family support reflect broader societal shifts.

It is crucial for government leaders to acknowledge this issue seriously and take decisive action. This involves creating supportive policies that encourage and facilitate family life.

U.S. Policies and Ireland’s Opportunities

The U.S., under the Trump administration, supported pro-family policies like doubling the child tax credit. Such proactive steps demonstrate the potential impact of government interventions on supporting families.

Ireland must learn from these examples and implement similar policies to address its declining birth and fertility rates effectively.

Shining a Light on the Crisis

The silence from the legacy media and limited government response highlight the need for public awareness and active engagement from all citizens.

By raising awareness and demanding policy changes, Irish citizens can influence government action to tackle this existential crisis comprehensively.

A Call for Change

In the face of this growing crisis, it is essential for every government member to prioritize family support and address the underlying issues driving high abortion rates.

As stipulated by experts, failing to act could lead to irreversible societal damage, emphasizing the urgency of this issue.

Conclusion

The future of Ireland depends on addressing the issues surrounding abortion rates and birth decline proactively. By learning from global examples and focusing on family support, the country can steer towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Vice President Vance’s Speech

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