Scottish Catholic Observer

The 5th International Youth Pro-Life Conference, organised by SPUC and held in Rotherham, south Yorkshire, attracted 140 delegates at the weekend to look at human dignity.

Speakers at the event included the Rev Dr Andrew Pinsent (who spoke on pro-life philosophy), Sr Andrea Fraile from the Cardinal Winning Pro-Life Initiative in Glasgow (abortion counseling), Dr Philip Howard: (end of life care) and Dr Jacqueline Laing (euthanasia and assisted suicide).

Building on the success of the last four SPUC international youth conference, held in Scotland, John Smeaton, SPUC director, said that the young pro-life activist at this year’s event ‘grew in their knowledge and love of the sanctity of human life and the dignity of the family.’

“They also had lots of fun, made or renewed friendships, prayed deeply and left with hope for our world,” he added.

Delegate Lucy Boyles said the weekend was ‘very informative; I feel far more confident in terms of people questioning me about pro-life issues.’

Fellow delegate Magdalene Soon added that the event had been ‘eye-opening to the reality of the culture of death. It is good to know there are support groups that are there to help you.’

“For me, this weekend has enhanced my knowledge but also gave me a support system whereby if I were to make a point, I know I have a network for information I can access to back it up,” according to Imogen Fell.

Sophie Lawes said: “This weekend has revitalised me, and strengthened my resolve to fight for the rights of all vulnerable. Most importantly, it has highlighted to me further that it is not ‘if’ we can change views, it is ‘when,’ and our coming together can only facilitate this. As a group, I feel we have bonded and are stronger. We are ready to take the next steps in Leeds to make our voices heard.”

On saturday the delegates observed two minutes’ silence for Tony Bland, left brain-damaged by the Hillsborough disaster who, 19 years ago to the day, was starved and dehydrated to death following a court ruling.

Mr Smeaton said that this was particularly poignant, since the conference venue was little more than an hour’s drive away from Airedale General Hospital where he died.

http://www.spuc.org.uk/

Pic: John Smeaton pictured (left to right) with Magdalene Soon, Sophie Lawes, Imogen Fell and Lucy Boyles, all from Students for Life Leeds