SPUC’s 2023 National Conference, held in Milton Keynes last weekend, saw 180 delegates come together in hope and love to envision “a world where abortion is unthinkable”.
Between 22 and 24 September 2023, 180 pro-life men, women and children gathered in Milton Keynes for SPUC’s National Conference, the first since the outbreak of COVID-19. Two-thirds of the delegates were first-time attendees.
GB News’ Rev Calvin Robinson opened the conference on Friday by calling for “a shift in pace” within the pro-life movement to meet the new challenges, including the attack on prayer that saw Isabel Vaughan-Spruce arrested twice outside an abortion facility in Birmingham.
John Deighan SPUC’s CEO, spoke encouragingly about identifying “paths to victory” and attaining a “critical mass” of support capable of turning the tide against abortion. “This is a winnable game”, Mr Deighan told delegates. “We will make abortion unthinkable if we do it together.”
Grace Browne, Communications Manager at SPUC, highlighted the importance of communicating the pro-life message courageously and witnessing publicly, even at the cost of losing social reputation.
Ms Browne encouraged supporters to take inspiration from Sophie Scholl, a German student executed by the Nazis for distributing anti-war leaflets as part of the White Rose resistance group. Compared to Scholl’s sacrifice, being publicly pro-life and enduring negative reactions is not too high a price to pay.
SPUC showcases its work
Delegates heard from several speakers who showcased SPUC’s campaigns, projects and innovations.
Alithea Williams, Public Policy Manager, spoke about SPUC’s recent campaigns, including the Society’s newest call to action: End DIY abortion: Justice for Baby Lily. Lily was illegally aborted at 32-34 weeks’ gestation after her mother obtained abortion pills through the government’s “pills by post” scheme.
Ms Williams also gave account of SPUC’s lobbying work in Westminster, including an event with Jacob Rees-Mogg MP highlighting coerced abortion in China and exposing the UK’s complicity through overseas funding.
Margaret Akers discussed the good work of the Alma Mater Fund which supports students in crisis pregnancies. There have been 30 grants so far. Delegates also heard about Her Voice, a project allowing women with abortion regret to warn others and explain their story. “It’s been the biggest mistake of my life…. Abortion is not solving your problems”, said one woman on Her Voice.
Workshops included Youth and Education, hosted by SPUC’s Emmet Dooley. Emmet offered insight into his outreach work in schools where his talks have gained a remarkable 88% pupil approval rating.
Emmet was joined by Louise Grant, organiser of SPUC’s Project Truth, a roadshow seeking “to change hearts and minds on the topic of abortion” through conversations on the street.
High praise from delegates
Delegates from different backgrounds each had a story to tell about their motivation to help make abortion unthinkable.
One delegate, Harriet, brought her children to the conference “to learn about abortion” and respond to the challenges it presents. Harriet added that she was encouraged to “hear about what SPUC does” and learn more about how she can contribute to “the good fight” to defend the unborn.
Another attendee, Ray, came from as far as the Republic of Ireland “to spend the weekend with like-minded people”.
Fr Ryan Black praised the “high calibre of speakers”, while Aaron Edwards, who also attended the event, tweeted his gratitude to SPUC “who are working to make abortion unthinkable”.
The conference allowed delegates to meet fellow pro-lifers, share stories and make new friends. Saturday ended with a Ceilidh dance.
An empowering conference
SPUC’s Michael Robinson, Executive Director (Public Affairs and Legal Services), said: “It was wonderful to see so many new faces at SPUC’s National Conference this year. Such events offer a great opportunity for SPUC to meet its supporters and foster an even greater sense of community and hope for the future.
“It was amazing to look at SPUC’s activities over the last twelve months and beyond and see the diverse range of campaigns and initiatives that the Society has put into action to defend life.
“SPUC supporters and pro-life people of all backgrounds benefited greatly from workshops and talks that showed how they can and are making a difference every day in the fight to defend the unborn.
“Moving forward, everyone left the conference feeling energised and empowered to work towards a world where abortion is unthinkable.”