Campaigners are concerned over “American-style anti-choice religious fringe group”
A major rally is to take place in Edinburgh against an anti-abortion group’s plans to campaign in Scotland.
Representatives from the Abortion Rights Committee Scotland are meeting at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday alongside members and supporters of the Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) to protest against the Forty Days For Life group.
Forty Days For Life plans to hold a 40-day pro-life prayer vigil outside Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital during Lent, from 10 February to 20 March.
Based on past experience we would be concerned that these actions by Forty Days for Life will certainly obstruct women’s access
The group, an international network which wants to end abortion, says the vigil will simply be made up of people quietly praying outside the hospital from 8am-8pm and will not approach anyone or have any graphic images on show.
However Kerry Abel, chair of Abortion Rights, said the arrival of the group in Scotland is a serious cause for concern and may intimidate those using the hospital.
“Women should be able to freely access this legal and safe service without fear of harassment and intimidation,” she said.
“Based on past experience we would be concerned that these actions by Forty Days for Life will certainly obstruct women’s access.”
Initially it was reported that Forty Days for Life had been given permission to hold the vigil near NHS premises, however NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has since said isn’t the case and that steps will be taken to ensure that staff and patients must not be.
Organisers say tomorrow’s rally in Edinburgh aims to speak up for women’s rights on access to abortion.
Speaking ahead of the event, Humanist Society Scotland described Forty Days For Life as an “American-style anti-choice religious fringe group”.
Spokesperson Claire Digance said the Humanist Society Scotland believes women should be able to choose whether to continue with a pregnancy.
She said: "We are showing support and solidarity with women all over Scotland, and to reaffirm our support for their right to choose.
"This is against the backdrop of an American-style anti-choice religious fringe group which wants to impose their ideology on women across Scotland.
"Most people in Scotland support a socially progressive view of women's rights."
The Abortion Rights Committee Scotland rally takes place at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, 9 February from 12-1pm.
