Ireland (39th Session)

ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people before national and international institutions. As well as having ECOSOC consultative status with the United Nations (registered name “Alliance Defending Freedom”), ADF International has accreditation with the European Commission and Parliament, and the Organization of American States. ADF International is also a participant in the FRA Fundamental Rights Platform. This submission highlights the severe implications of the legalization of abortion in Ireland on the enjoyment of the human right to freedom of conscience, notably in relation to the right of medical professionals to conscientious objection, as well as on the exercise of parental rights and responsibilities. In light of recent parliamentary initiatives to bring about the legalisation of assisted suicide, this report also explains why a so-called right to ‘die with dignity’ is incompatible with Ireland’s obligation to protect the right to life until natural death.