Pro-life activity around abortion facilities in Scotland is “consistent with the concept of an abortion vigil, rather than a protest”, research commissioned by the Scottish Government has concluded.

Last year, the Scottish Government commissioned Rocket Science to undertake research into the motivation, prevalence and impact of pro-life vigils outside abortion facilities, including Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

The report, published in December 2023, concluded that the “mostly quiet” pro-life activities observed by researchers were “consistent” with that of a “vigil”.

The study also found that individuals who attended vigils sought to “offer women emotional, practical and/or financial support as an alternative to abortion”.

While the presence of vigils “frustrated” and “angered” some passersby, the researchers reported no instances of criminality or aggressive behaviour from vigils attendees.

“When NHS staff members walked past, some conveyed frustration or anger by shaking their heads. When this occurred, the vigil attendees did not engage, but rather, looked down and did not speak unless spoken to”, said the report.

At worst, the study continued, “there was an uneasy atmosphere, particularly because the vigil attendees were quiet, sometimes silent, and were slowly turning their placards, following and matching the speed of passersby”.

While a survey of NHS staff, which was part of the report, found that 63% of respondents “reported that the presence of vigils and protest activity has a negative impact upon their ability to fulfil their role”, only 128 workers replied to the survey. No examples of how vigils had negatively impacted their roles were cited.

Buffer zones unjustifiable and wrong

SPUC’s Michael Robinson, Executive Director (Public Affairs and Legal Services), said: “This independent study confirms that pro-life vigils are indeed ‘vigils’, contrary to the view purported by media and abortion apologists who characterise them as ‘protests’ that intimidate and even abuse women.

“One can sense the disappointment of researchers who expected to record various instances of pro-life misbehaviour. The only examples of ‘potentially intimidating’ behaviour that they could find were participants’ silence, as well as images of the Lady of Guadalupe – hardly an image of hate.

“The low response rate to the survey of NHS staff also suggests that most hospital workers are not bothered enough by vigils to complain about them. A mere 128 responses hardly seem a justifiable measure of true opinion, especially when staff with an innate pro-abortion bias are more likely to take the opportunity to object to vigils.

“Ultimately, this study confirms that there’s no justification for buffer zones that outlaw peaceful pro-life activity. In the end, such legislation would further curtail free speech and deny women in crisis pregnancies the opportunity to receive help that could save the life of their unborn child.”

“A peaceful presence… not a protest”

In March, a representative for Police Scotland told the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee that no criminality had been identified at pro-life vigils outside abortion facilities.

Superintendent Gerry Corrigan also stated that in the event of any behaviour found to “cross a line of what would be acceptable in terms of criminality… we do have the legislation at that point to deal with that protest”.

The Holyrood committee hearing was gathering evidence for and against the implementation of buffer zones in Scotland, as proposed by the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill.

SPUC opposes MSP Gillian Mackay’s Bil that seeks to impose a buffer zone of at least 200 meters around abortion facilities in Scotland, outlawing peaceful pro-life activity, including vigils and images.

On 12 March, a SPUC representative appeared before the committee to explain that such legislation is unnecessary. “Pro-life vigils in Scotland are a peaceful presence, primarily there to pray, and not a protest. There’s never been an arrest relating to pro-life vigils”, said SPUC’s Margaret Akers.