A bill tackling rogue crisis pregnancy agencies was brought froward for debate in the Dail last night. The bill, brought by Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin, received backing from both government and opposition parties.
The bill, entitled; "The Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill 2016" proposed laws that require that
agencies seeking to provide counselling to women experiencing crisis pregnancies be registered and regulated.
The Health Minister Simon Harris, agreed to back the bill but stated that several changes on the condition that several changes be made, as defining crisis pregnancy councillor as a separate profession could cause difficulties.
An investigation by The Times (Ireland edition) newspaper exposed that certain crisis pregnancy agencies were spreading misinformation, such as abortions increasing the risk of breast cancer and that it can potentially turn women into child abusers.
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The bill is intended to protect vulnerable women from the predations of pro-life groups masquerading as agencies seeking to help and inform them.
