Abortion Protest Outside Glasgow Hospital: Counter-Protests & Voices Heard

Just outside the 200m buffer zone for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow stands a religious group from 40 Days for Life, they are standing in peaceful protest of the hospital's right to provide abortions.

Today, on the other side of the road, stood two counter-protestors showing their support for a woman's right to choose.  

The buffer zone was set in place after MSP Gillian McKay passed a bill to create a safe access zone around hospitals and areas that provide healthcare, like abortions, so that the people who need to access such healthcare can do so without judgment.

 But the protesters choose to toe the line by standing just outside the zone on one of the busiest roads around the hospital.  

Abortions are at a record high in Scotland (as seen above) since abortion became legalised and it may be due to the cost-of-living crisis.

With families unable to heat their homes many are deciding they would not wish to ring a child into the world when they cannot afford to care for them. 

Chelsea, one of the counter-protestors, said, "I'm here to show that you don't have to be scared so that they (the protestors) don't put anyone off. 

"They don't care about the babies once they are born. It takes a lot to raise a child, and some people just are not ready for that. 

"Even if there's just one person here showing their support, I know that would make me feel better."   

Another counter-protestor who wishes to remain anonymous shared her experience with having to access the service, sharing that she believes if she hadn't had an abortion, she would not have been able to cope.  

The protestors chose not to comment.  

  The protestors plan to stay until early April with signs that read "pregnant? Worried? Come talk to us! We can help you".  

 During the time they were there, they received over 40 honks and waves, with some people even shouting their support out of their car windows.  One man who walked past the two shouted, "Quite right, it's your choice" 

The counter-protestors received support from ambulance workers, police, council workers, and regular people, with support from both men and women. The counter-protestors seemed elated at their support, while the protestors received abuse from passers-by with rude gestures and people voicing their opinions about the group.  

Hope Mason, from Cambuslang, said: “I think it’s absolutely disgusting protesting outside a hospital. 

“people there are grieving or suffering from a loss.” 

With International Women's Day this weekend, many people online have expressed their outrage that protests like this are allowed to take place. One person on TikTok said the protesters have zero interest in helping those who need it, and another said it is not their place to make judgments.  

Place holder, a student from place said: “I am shocked that these things are still happening and that people still have that kind of mindset.” 

Forty Days for Life organises worldwide campaigns that aim to "End abortion in 40 days" The company, having been founded in America, shared their confusion on why they were here.

On their website, the group encourages their followers to fast for 40 days in hopes that God will listen to them and end abortions.  

The counter-protestors plan to go out and show their support for women for the next couple of days with bigger signs and hope to have more people join them in the coming days. The two wish to influence the protestors to change their minds and support anyone who may be going to the hospital to have an abortion.