Several thousand people have taken part in the annual ‘March for Life’ event in Dublin city centre.<\/p>\n
The demonstration gathered on St Stephen’s Green before marching to Molesworth Street.<\/p>\n
The crowd heard speeches from speakers including Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn, Aont\u00fa councillor Ellen Troy and Pro Life Campaign spokesperson Caroline Simons.<\/p>\n
Organisers say the focus of this year\u2019s march is on Ireland\u2019s abortion numbers.<\/p>\n
According to the most recent figures from the Department of Health, 10,852 abortions were carried out in Ireland in 2024.<\/p>\n
Campaigners say they are alarmed at the rising figures and want alternative ”life affirming” supports made available to women.<\/p>\n
”Not every woman who rings a state-level hotline is looking for an abortion,” Eil\u00eds Mulroy, the campaign manager of the Pro Life Campaign, which organised the march, said.<\/p>\n
“You don’t have to be somebody who voted ‘no’ to repeal the Eighth Amendment back in 2018 to agree that women should be given all of the information they deserve when they are looking for help,” Ms Mulroy added.<\/p>\n
Other marchers agreed that women needed to be better supported in terms of the advice offered when they seek help.<\/p>\n
”Most women have abortions because they don’t have the facilities to look after babies. They need financial support, they need emotional support, they need to be able to continue their education and perhaps their employment. That’s where we should be giving the help,” said Ms Simons.<\/p>\n