'Intimidating' anti-abortion protests to start outside of Scots clinics for 40 days
27.09.2022 - 14:57
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A "disappointing" six-week anti-abortion protest that could have an "intimidating effect" on service users has been called out by health professionals and pro-choice campaigners. Texas-based organisation 40 Days For Life will begin a 40-day "prayer vigil" outside clinics offering abortion services in Scotland on September 28.
Their latest protest will run from 8am - 8pm until November 6, with healthcare services being targeted in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Falkirk. The group - who previously confirmed they had network of several hundred volunteers in Scotland - was set up in 2004 by people protesting at an abortion facility in Texas.
They expanded their network through the southern states of America before infiltrating new countries to become a world-wide group. Recent protests outside of the Sandyford Clinic have left patients extremely distressed as men with graphic banners and loudspeakers caused disruption. Staff were forced to play loud music from their cars to try and drown them out.
Ahead of the Edinburgh protest outside of Chalmers Clinic, NHS Lothian reassured patients they would do everything possible to minimise disruption.
A spokesperson said: "NHS Lothian wants to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring patients can access all health services whenever they need them. In Lothian, we value and support our dedicated and specialist teams who work hard to provide person-centred care.
"Chalmers provides vital sexual health services for a range of patients on matters such as: contraception; sexually transmitted infections; HIV testing, care and prevention; pregnancy; menopause; and support to victims of sexual assault.
"We are disappointed to hear of the planned anti-abortion demonstration near the premises,
The website popstar.one is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can
send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.