Edinburgh sexual health clinic targeted by 'sinister' pro life images

Images of a foetus with slogans like ‘love begins in the womb’ ‘please let me be born’ and ‘who cares’ were projected onto the walls of the city clinic this week.

Campaigners have branded the tactics as “sinister" and called for national action to prevent women who use abortion services being targeted.

Previously patients at the clinic have reported protestors approaching them directly and distributing medically inaccurate leaflets. Even those not accessing abortion services have been targeted, according to Back Off Chalmers, a campaign started by Edinburgh University students.

Pro life images projected onto clinic

Last month Edinburgh City Council agreed to support their calls to introduce of ‘buffer zones’ around abortion clinics - to prevent women being harassed by pro-life campaigners.

Pro-life groups have demonstrated outside a number of clinics and centres across Scotland, sparking widespread fears that they are denying women a right to privacy.

Back Off Scotland says protests are a threat to privacy and right to access legal, essential medical services.

Responding to the images beamed onto the Chalmers clinic, Back Off Scotland co-founder Lucy Grieve said:

Images were beamed onto the Chalmers clinic walls

“If there were ever any doubts about the nature of pro life protests, these images showcase just how intimidating and sinister they can be.

“The Scottish Government needs to address this immediately. This is a bipartisan, national issue about barriers to healthcare, and lack of action from our government means that they are failing those who rely on reproductive health services.”

Alice Murray, who previously had an abortion at Chalmers Street clinic said:

“These images are harrowing and a demonstration of the lengths that these protestors are willing to go to to harm abortion users well-being.

A series of images was spotted outside the clinic

“These images may be very triggering for those who have had abortions. As someone who has used these services, I am saddened to see this. It does prove however, the definite need for buffer zones across Scotland.”

The council’s support for 150-metre ‘no-protest zones’ to be erected outside the entrance to the Chalmers Centre came after a survey showed a majority of women are made to feel uncomfortable by pro-life protests outside of the clinic.

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