In common with many families where a loved one has a disability, Belfast mum Maura O’Neill, was saddened when politicians in the Northern Assembly voted to keep abortion legal until birth for preborn children with a disability.
The Belfast mum has a beautiful daughter, Olivia, with Down Syndrome. Sadly, even though most people with Down Syndrome go on to have happy and fulfilling lives, some 90% of these babies are now aborted before birth in England, while countries like Iceland and Denmark are close to aborting all babies with Down Syndrome.
Parents frequently say that they need to fight extra hard to get basic services for their children if they have a disability, especially in regard to access and other vital support.
Ms O’Neill put up a special message on her gate for those politicians who are currently knocking on doors looking for votes on 5th May.
Her photo of that message has attracted huge attention online with many applauding the brave mum for calling out politicians on the issue. “Do not rap on my door for a vote if you are one of the following MLA or parties who voted against making it illegal to have an abortion at 40 weeks if your child has a disability including Down Syndrome,” she wrote.
“This is Olivia Frances O’Neill,” she added above two gorgeous photos of her daughter. “She lives here! She matters! She is loved! She deserves better, Shame on you all!”
Ms O’Neill’s powerful plea then listed the politicians from Sinn Féin, UUP, SDLP, Alliance, PBP, Greens and more who had voted against banning disability abortion.
She said that “My poster was made as a cry for help for politicians to hear my plea as a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, it was never meant to be political, just me wanting to say if they called to my door – they would not get my vote because they passed the bill that made my child feel less important as anyone else.”
“In fact, by passing this Bill my two children – both girls – are made in society to feel differently, one in society has more rights than the other and is more important than the other.”
“That is in society! Not in our home or our family or our friend circle..both our children are treated the same, are loved the same and are just as important as the other. We love both our children unconditionally,” she said.
Her brave post was widely applauded online with observers from across the country saying she was “amazing”, “brilliant” and thanking her for being a voice for children and people with disabilities.
“Well said and well done” wrote scores of posts, and one woman added: “Brilliant and I’ll be giving them my message to stay away from my door. Your daughter Olivia is absolutely beautiful and we need to all stand together on this issue, and we will.”