A local Pro Choice campaigner has criticised the publication of an anti-abortion advertisement in a Roscommon newspaper. The ad, sponsored by the Roscommon For Life group, was described as 'appalling' by the Roscommon Together For Choice group in a statement to The Journal newspaper. Leitrim For Choice spokesperson Bernie Linnane says it was intended to inflict harm on those who receive and provide abortion services. The July 26th ad compares fines imposed on those who destroy eggs or breeding sites in nature with fees received by doctors for abortion services.
A statement by Roscommon People editor Paul Healy said an editorial review is underway 'on foot of the feedback received'. He said the content in no way reflected the views or ethos of the Roscommon People and it was never the paper's intention to cause hurt or upset. Speaking to the Joe Finnegan Show, Bernie Linnane said the ad was cruel and intentionally inflammatory:
