Friday 7 September 2007

Choice Ireland calls for regulation of crisis pregnancy counselling agencies.

Responding to the re-launch of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency's Positive Options advertising campaign, Choice Ireland has renewed its call for legislation to outlaw rogue crisis pregnancy counselling agencies.

Spokesperson Niav Keating said:

"Choice Ireland acknowledges the valuable work of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency and supports the Positive Options campaign as an element in combating the deceitful and intimidating tactics of rogue agencies by promoting legitimate service providers. However, this campaign has
been running for five years and it is clearly not sufficient on its own to counteract the deceptive advertising tactics of these rogue agencies, which continue to operate with no fear of closure. Choice Ireland has highlighted one such agency in Dublin."

Commenting, spokesperson Sinead Ahern said:

"It is time for Minister Mary Harney to recognise that legislative action is needed. Choice Ireland is calling for regulation of all clinics providing crisis pregnancy counselling, with rogue agencies to be shut down and their operators subject to prosecution. The government should also extend the prohibition on false and misleading advertisement to services that do not require payment or profit, such as pregnancy counselling services. We have written to Minister Harney asking her to meet with us to discuss this matter further."

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