Anti-abortion protests outside Glasgow hospital

The 40 Days for Life movement plan to protest until the end of Lent.

Anti-abortion protestors have gathered outside Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow to mark the beginning of Lent. Beginning yesterday on 5 March, protestors from 40 Days for Life will stand vigil until 13 April. This period stretches over the entirety of Lent. 

Mary Gilroy, the lead organiser of the Glasgow protests, has stated that the buffer zones will not be violated. All demonstrations have remained 200 meters away from the hospital. These buffer zones were erected after the legislation passed in Scotland in June of last year. 

The Abortion Services Act 2024 dictates that anyone within the 200 meter safe zone attempting to influence, prevent, or cause “harassment, alarm or distress” to those entering the building will be arrested. Violations of the Safe Access Zones will result in up to a £10,000 fine. 

Last month, on 19 February, a woman was arrested outside Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for violating the new buffer zones. She was the first, and only thus far, to be arrested following the new legislation. The unnamed woman had a sign confiscated at the scene. 

Both yesterday and today, protestors have been photographed with signs that read “Pregnant? Worried? Come talk to us.” and “Choose Life”, among many other slogans. 

40 Days for Life is a Texas based organisation, founded in 2007. This campaign is not only occurring in Glasgow but internationally. These “vigils” have been planned across the globe, as shown by the map provided on the organisation’s website. 40 Days for Life’s website claims to provide a “peaceful and educational presence”, despite the nature of their demonstrations, as well as boasting an endorsement from Pope Francis. 

These protests come just weeks after Vice President J.D. Vance criticised the new Scottish legislation, arguing that the Abortion Services Act breaches the right to private prayer. A claim that has since been disputed by a spokesperson from the Scottish Government. 

A YouGov poll asking, “Where does the British public stand on abortion in 2023?” has estimated that around 87% of the British public is in support of reproductive rights. This statistic is reflected by the pro-choice banners and posters put up outside Queen Margaret University Hospital. The counter-protest posters display messages such as “you are loved.”

40 Days for Life urges its members to engage with the community, including encouraging “door to door petition” as well as university visits and flyering. Whether these protests will escalate and begin to further target Glasgow’s communities via door-to-door action is currently unclear.

Published 6 March 2025