Personhood USA notes Irish Times lacks journalistic integrity, sends another fabricated abortion story around the world

NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following weeks of controversy, the Irish Times retracted its story claiming that the nation's "first abortion" had been carried out to save the life of a mother. The paper now tells its readers that "the case described in the article did not happen."

Although the fabricated story was carried by news outlets around the world, the Irish Times only published a tiny errata notice buried deep inside the paper when it retracted the story. To Personhood USA's knowledge, the Irish Times has made no effort to inform international news organizations which carried the story about the fabrication.

Niamh Ui Bhriain of Ireland's Life Institute is demanding an inquiry regarding the false news story. She calls the Irish Times' retraction a "mealy-mouthed apology" and called for "a halt to its misreporting on abortion." http://www.thelifeinstitute.net/latest-news/inquiry-required-as-irish-times-says-abortion-case-never-happened/

Last year, the Irish Times misreported with its sensationalist headline "Woman 'denied a termination' dies in hospital." The story was covered by thousands of international media outlets, despite the paper's later admission that the woman, Savita Halappanavar, did not in fact request an abortion, according to the hospital record. http://www.personhoodusa.com/press/irish-times-reporter-admits-savita-did-not-request-abortion-according-hospital-record/

"The Irish Times demonstrates an utter disrespect for journalistic integrity by publishing a fabricated story and then refusing to give its retraction due prominence," said Josh Craddock, Personhood USA's United Nations liaison. "They have made no effort to be truthful, accurate, or objective in their reporting on abortion and international media should take note. The Irish Times' blatant lies are almost solely responsible for misinforming the world about abortion in Ireland."

Personhood USA criticized the Irish Times last week for their "first abortion" story, after it was revealed that the article misled readers.

SOURCE Personhood USA