US Anti-Abortion Group Stages Lent Protests Near Glasgow Hospital, Testing Scotland’s Buffer Zone Law.
By Erin McCullough
A US based anti-abortion group, 40 Days for Life, has begun a series of Lent protests near Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, drawing attention to the ongoing debate over Scotland’s newly implemented buffer zone law. The campaigners, who began their demonstrations on February 24 and will continue until April 13, have pledged to stay outside the 200-metr “safe access zones” created by the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, which came into effect last year.
The law aims to protect patients from harassment when seeking abortion services, prohibiting anti-abortion protesters gathering near clinics and hospitals, while the group has vowed to respect the legal boundaries, they continue to raise concerns about the emotional and psychological impact their demonstrations could have on patients and healthcare workers.
Amber Millar, a student midwife said “The protesters make it harder to offer he compassionate care we are trained to provide. The main concern for me is that patients can feel judged when they are supposed to be in a safe place.”
Members gathered across the hospital, holding signs with messages like “Choose Life” and “Help is out there”, while praying. These gatherings, despite being peaceful, still occupy a space near the hospital entrance, which has been a site of intense protest activity.
The group claims their actions offer prayerful support rather than direct opposition to abortion, the proximity to a healthcare facility has raised questions about the line between peaceful expression and unwarranted intrusion.
Amber added “Abortion protesters often use negative language to convince women to not get an abortion, while most women who have come in to the clinic have their mind made up, it can impact their mental recovery after.”
The Buffer Zone Law, which applies to 30 clinics and hospitals across Scotland, is widely supported by the Scottish Parliament. Particularly after incidents of patients reported being confronted by graphic images or hostile and aggressive behaviours.
Scottish Green MSP, Gillian Mackay, who advocated for the legislation, has said that coming weeks will be a critical test for the law’s implementation.
As protests continue, the ability of Scotland’s buffer zone law to maintain a balance between free speech and the protection of patients will be under increasing scrutiny.
Mary Gilroy, one of the organisers, has stressed that the vigils will adhere to the legal framework and that they are committed to creating a non-confrontational atmosphere. Despite the group’s actions being at a distance, it can be seen as an attempt to push moral values onto vulnerable individuals.
Shirin Alsayednoor from The Women’s Centre Glasgow said, “These women are already going through their own mental war, the last thing they need to see is damaging images plastered outside the hospital, they have their own rights and to make them feel violated is completely unfair”.
