USI disassociate from Catholic crisis pregnancy support agency Cura
Today, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) announced it is disassociating itself from Cura, the Catholic crisis pregnancy support agency, because of a failure to provide ‘full support’ for pregnant people when it comes to abortion and abortion support.
Speaking about the move away from Cura, USI President Michael Kerrigan said:
“Cura only provides two options during pregnancy counselling, which can cause unnecessary pressure and lack of knowledge for people to make an informed choice about what to do in an unplanned pregnancy.
“Cura does not provide contact details for abortion clinics, or information on abortion services and as a result it does not give full support for pregnant people or their partners. USI will be cutting all ties from now on until Cura faces the reality that abortions happen in Ireland, and that people need support here at home before, during and after an abortion.”
USI will ensure that all information disseminated from USI is from organisations that provide all options to those seeking counsel on information relating to pregnancy like the Irish Family Planning Association. USI and its member will not disseminate Cura information in any USI materials or campaigns relating to sexual health and support.
USI recommends the following services to students for abortion care and support:
- Irish Family Planning Association – free post-abortion counselling can be booked through the National Pregnancy Helpline 1850 49 50 51.
- Dublin Rape Crisis Centre – offer help and support to anyone who has experienced sexual violence of any kind 1800 77 8888 or email counselling@rcc.ie
- Dublin Well Woman Centre – free after abortion counselling 01 3749243.