Glasgow dad slams anti-abortion protestors intimidating women outside hospital

New father David Waugh (26) from Glasgow

A new Glasgow dad has spoken out against anti-abortion protesters for scaring women at a Glasgow maternity hospital. The group, called 40 Days for Life, started holding placards and loudly praying as women were going to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on Wednesday.

Pro-choice supporters and politicians in Scotland have called for buffer zones to be introduced calling what the protests are doing ‘shameful’. The group from Texas was seen outside the hospital, praying and holding rosary beads.

David Waugh, 26, who just became a dad, told them off as he left the hospital, according to the Daily Record.

He said: “These people should be ashamed of themselves. They don’t know what women or young girls have gone through.”

“What about people who have been raped? They don’t make the choice to get pregnant. That’s taken away from them.

“What about teenagers who fall pregnant? Kids don’t always feel ready to bring up kids. They might still be at school or not have a job. They might be worried about providing for a baby. There is poverty all over Glasgow but are these people thinking about that?”

“Some of these women are in horrible circumstances and they’ve been through traumatic experiences then they need to come out here and see this?”

“These protestors seem to have no idea that what they are doing is only adding to women’s pain. I’m disgusted that they are here and doing this.”

David, was upset that women at maternity facilities were also being affected by the scenes outside the hospital gates.

“My partner has just had a baby and I don’t want her to see this. Post-natal depression is a massive thing for women and suicide rates are through the roof in this country. This behaviour is just creating fear,” he continued.

“But I bet these people don’t think about that. All they care about is what they believe in and not how what they are doing is making women feel.” David added, his anger echoed by both NHS staff and women attending the hospital.

One mum-to-be, on her way to an appointment, criticised the group’s judgement of women: “I do not agree with this at all. Everyone’s situations are different and nobody should be judging a woman for the choices she makes.”

“It’s her body and her choice,” she stated firmly.

A nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her disappointment: “I work in maternity and know the problems people come through our doors with. These protesters have no idea what some women have to go through. For them to stand here with their signs shaming people for their choices is disgraceful.”

It was noted that several abortion service facilities across Scotland have been repeatedly targeted by 40 Days for Life in recent years.

The list of targeted locations includes Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Edinburgh Chalmers Street Clinic, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Sandyford Clinic. Last week, we reported that Catholic churches in Scotland have been criticised for encouraging their congregations to join these protests.

This has led to urgent calls for ‘buffer zones’ around clinics to safeguard women. Green MSP Gillian Mackay has proposed a Bill in the Scottish Parliament which, if passed, would ban such demonstrations.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill suggests that pro-life campaigners should be fined for protesting within 200 metres of a facility with unlimited fines for serious breaches.

Ms Mackay stated: “These protests are utterly shameful. Nobody should have to face down a sea of graphic placards and banners in order to get to a hospital.”

She added: “It is targeted intimidation and harassment, and it is being done to stop people from accessing the healthcare they are entitled to. It underlines exactly why buffer zones are so crucial.”

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“I have spoken to many service users and hospital staff who have told me about their experiences and the terrible impact these protests have had on them. My heart and solidarity goes out to everyone who has had to endure them.”

“Abortion rights are human rights, and they are non-negotiable. I don’t want this to be a country where people are afraid to access healthcare. I hope 2024 can be the year that changes.”

Labour MSP Monica Lennon said: “Safe access zones are urgently needed to protect women’s safety and privacy. They are also a necessary protection for healthcare workers.”

“People are entitled to pray and practice their religion but not to prey on others, especially women accessing abortion healthcare.”

“Hospitals and clinics should be safe spaces. This targeted harassment underlines the urgent need for legislation.”

The anti-abortion group 40 Days for Life did not interact with people walking by outside the QEUH. They held signs encouraging pregnant women to talk to them for advice while they prayed quietly.

Before the protest, supporters of choice put up posters where the group was standing.

The messages on the posters included ‘pray this shower gets a better hobby’, ‘nae mair nosey numpties’ and ‘buffer zones now’.

A man driving by the group stopped his van to point at them and yelled ‘shame on you’ a few times.