Ealing Council must allow life-saving help to continue for vulnerable women entering the Marie Stopes International (MSI) abortion clinic in the borough, says leading campaign group the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC).
SPUC is commenting ahead of Ealing Council’s decision on what measures it will take regarding pro-life vigils outside MSI in Mattock Lane, Ealing.
Antonia Tully, Director of Campaigns, said: "Peaceful, prayerful pro-life vigils must continue to offer help to desperate women coming to MSI. Many women are ambivalent about abortion or pressured into one, and the presence of groups such as the Good Counsel Network offers a lifeline to such women".Last December, Antonia Tully gave evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee on this matter, when she stressed that the Good Counsel Network is offering help to women that they cannot get anywhere else.
"We must be absolutely clear", said Mrs Tully, "that there is absolutely no harassment or intimidation by pro-life groups taking place outside MSI in Ealing. Pro-life vigils are conducted within the law and with respect and sensitivity towards women entering the abortion clinic".
Over 1,000 people signed an emergency petition to the London Assembly calling for freedom of speech when the Assembly discussed pro-life "demonstrations" in December 2017. Just a few weeks earlier SPUC presented a petition to the Department of Health signed by over 16,000 people who were calling for MSI to be stripped of its licence to practise. This petition followed a series of Care Quality Commission Reports which revealed a horrific catalogue of health and safety breaches by MSI.
"We sincerely hope that Ealing Council recognises the rights of UK citizens to offer compassionate help to women. To shut down this help where it is most needed and to take away the freedom for the pro-life movement to hold peaceful acts of witness would strike at the very heart of democracy".
Notes to the Editor
Contact Us
Antonia Tully, SPUC Director of Campaigns and Fundraising, can be contacted on:
- 07926007175
- antoniatully@btinternet.com
Or contact Dr Anthony McCarthy, SPUC Director of Education and Communications, on:
- 020 7820 3144
- anthonymccarthy@spuc.org.uk