How coverage over 'chest-feeding' speaker led to threats against a breastfeeding conference
The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland was forced to move a conference online following threats directed at staff and volunteers. The controversy stemmed from the inclusion of a speaker who advocates for gender-diverse families, sparking backlash from gender-critical groups.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the growing tension and safety concerns surrounding public discourse on gender identity and inclusive clinical practices in healthcare.
THREATS TO VOLUNTEERS and staff at a Galway hotel prompted organisers of a lactation conference to abandon plans for an in-person event this month, records show.
Emails released under the Freedom of Information Act show how the Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland (ALCI) told the HSE it was forced to move the event online over the threats.
The association had planned a two-day conference at the Ardilaun Hotel on 9 and 10 October.
US lactation consultant Jacob Engelsman was due to deliver two talks on supporting gender-diverse families and creating inclusive clinical spaces.
Engelsman told the organisers that his talks were designed to help lactation providers feel more comfortable reaching out and making themselves available to LGBT parents in their community, a brief sent to the ALCI and released to The Journal states.
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