SPUC pro-life witness chains will be appearing across the country tomorrow (Saturday 27th) to mark the 51st anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act coming into effect on mainland Britain.
SPUC’s pro-life chains consist of continuous lines of pro-life volunteers holding placards which display pro-life messages in the view of passing traffic and pedestrians. Pro-life chains are usually organised by local SPUC branches which work with SPUC headquarters. Areas which have so far pledged their involvement include Preston, Lincoln, Lancaster, Sheffield, Chester, Liverpool, Heckmondwike and Edinburgh.
Re-affirming the truth
Edinburgh’s pro-life chain, organised by SPUC Scotland and supported by the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, will see one of Scotland’s busiest streets witness a day of peaceful pro-life action. 20 year old Glasgow student, Grace said: " The chains are a fantastic way to not only stand in remembrance of those lives lost and hurt by abortion, but it also provides an opportunity to reaffirm the pro-life message into society; that abortion ends human life."
"With the amount of pro-abortion propaganda circulating in society which tries to normalise the killing of innocent unborn humans, these pro-life chains are so important. It is important that generation after generation, in the face of all the propaganda that we affirm the truth. And for me the pro-life chain does just that."
The chains will act as a symbol of solidarity for the millions of innocent lives lost to abortion and the countless mothers and families left hurt by its effects. As in previous years, SPUC supporters have sought to use the anniversary date to spread the truth, that abortion kills, but also to reach out with compassion to any women or families suffering after an abortion.
All who believe in human rights welcome
The UK Abortion Act became law in October of 1967 and then came into effect on the 27th of April 1968. Since 1968, over nine million unborn children have been killed by abortion in the UK, with countless mothers left to suffer. Current UK practice under the 1967 Abortion Act, has effectively allowed a woman to undergo an abortion until the 24th week of pregnancy, for any reason. However, abortions can still take place until birth, if the unborn child is suspected to possess a foetal anomaly.
SPUC Parliamentary Director, Michael Robinson said: "Worryingly, over recent years we have seen a broad coalition of organisations and considerable political support for extending the threats to life including extending abortion to birth for any reason.
"The Culture of Death has a tight grip on the UK but SPUC remains committed to promoting human dignity and development: to say ‘yes’ to life and support those who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy. Our sister organisation ARCH also provides help to those suffering after an abortion"
Mr Robinson continued: "This weekend’s Chains mark the 51st Anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act coming into force, six months after it received royal assent. Since then, over 9 million babies have lost their lives to abortion, and countless numbers of mothers and families have been damaged."
"SPUC is grateful for our members up and down the UK who will be taking part in Chains. We hope to make this year’s Pro-Life Chain the biggest ever. and give a renewed sense of confidence and vigour to those who proclaim the dignity of every human life across the UK. Not just SPUC members are welcome but anyone who believes in equality and human rights."
Please note, the pro-life chain in your area may not take place on the 27th of April, but on a proximal date. Please contact your nearest SPUC branch for details of your nearest pro-life chain.