The headlines were dramatic, and wholly misleading, but when it comes to abortion unfortunately this sort of fake news reporting has become the new standard in Ireland. So first, let’s set the record straight: a child was not locked up for seeking an abortion in Ireland, and nothing in Irish law would permit any woman to be detained because she requested an abortion. So what are the facts of the case? Firstly, very little is known apart from what was detailed in a report from the Child Care Law Reporting Project. That project reported that a consultant psychiatrist had recommended that a pregnant girl be detained “because she had a mental health disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act ….. and was at risk of self harm and suicide”.
On Wednesday, 25th. November 2015, various media outlets carried news of the discovery of a new-born baby in the manger of the Christmas crib in the Holy Child Jesus Catholic church in New York city. Under New York state law, a parent may abandon a newborn anonymously at certain designated safe locations, such as a church, hospital, police or fire station, without fear of prosecution as long as the baby is handed over to an appropriate person.