In a forceful op-ed in the Irish Times, a moral theologian has urged the Sisters of Charity to reject any deal with the National Maternity Hospital that would lead to the destruction of innocent, unborn life. Fr Kevin O’Reilly said that, while the Sisters may intend that all human life should be respected at the new hospital, nonetheless it is entirely foreseeable that abortions will eventually occur there. He urged the Sisters then to reject the deal so as to take a stand for life: “Reason informed by the Gospel of Life calls the sisters’ representatives to display courage by withdrawing from any deal that is ordered to the destruction of innocent life. Experience of the Cross will be the sisters’ reward in this life. We ought never to forget, however, that in the Cross is our salvation.”