CELEBRATIONS of 50 years of helping promote women’s health and free choice are continuing apace at the Limerick Family Planning Clinic with the premiere of a short film narrated by Limerick’s own Oscar-nominated actress, Ruth Negga.
The film deals with the progress made since the clinic opened its doors 50 years ago, against a background of contraception being illegal and the pill only available to married couples on prescription.
Screening on October 11 in the Millennium Theatre, the documentary style film looks back at the what inspired the clinic, who the founders were and where it is today, along with the many milestones in its history.
Ruth Negga became involved after one of the women among the early clinic staff met her at an opening night and asked her if she would take part.
“She was very interested and they talked some more about the clinic and she said she would be happy to do the narration for free. It’s so generous of her,” Ferga Grant, one of the first paid employees of the clinic, told the Limerick Post.
Ferga is one of the people featuring in the film, along with others who worked at the project from the start and the staff who have taken up the torch carrying on the purpose of helping women take their own health and bodies in hand.
“Back then, it was difficult to even find a GP for the clinic. We couldn’t even legally sell condoms, which is unbelievable when you think about it now,” Ferga recalled.
50 years on and the clinic has seen more than 5,000 clients last year alone. Clear progress has been made, says clinical director Dr Sarah Anne Bennett.
“We’re now providing services to women across the spectrum of their reproductive health, from contraception to having a family and supporting them in perimenopause and menopause.”
Tickets for the premiere are available on Eventbrite.
