Posted on 09/03/2024 11:03:00 PM PDT by Morgana
Christian prayer is usually an unchallenged activity in Britain, often constructed as benign or even positive. But in some contexts, prayer can be experienced as intimidating, particularly when it is deemed “out of place” or when the motives for prayer are questioned.
It is perhaps no surprise, then, that praying outside of abortion clinics is considered wrong by most of the British public.
In the wake of legislation – that has been passed but not yet enacted – to stop activism in the immediate vicinity of all abortion clinics in Britain, anti-abortion campaigners have reacted strongly, arguing that legislating against silent prayer would breach their human rights.
But anti-abortion activities at clinic sites in Britain vary enormously and are not confined to silent prayer practices. Our research on anti-abortion activism in the UK has shown that what happens during protests can change from hour to hour, depending on those present.
Some protestors will try to engage with patients, others recite prayers – either aloud or silently – while others may hold banners or candles. Some may distribute leaflets or rosary beads.
Many anti-abortion activists argue that praying outside abortion clinics offers choice and support to women, and that this would be particularly important if those women were being coerced into having an abortion.
However, activists’ deeply-held faith objections to abortion can often prevent them from understanding the intimidation and harm they can cause. Their stance also ignores that pressurising someone to continue with a pregnancy is also a form of coercion.
Just praying?
Although many anti-abortion activists state that they are “just praying”, women approaching abortion services have no idea about the intentions of the anti-abortion activists. For instance, many women are anxious or fearful because they do not know how far the activists will go to try to stop them entering the clinic.
There is often a denial by anti-abortion activists that intimidation ever happens, but as part of our research fieldwork we have witnessed women being continually harangued and followed for short distances, even when the protest event is advertised as a “peaceful prayer vigil”.
While physical violence between anti-abortion activists, clinic users or the general public is rare, it still happens. Such incidents may not be started by the anti-abortion activists, and at times the protestors may even be the target of violence and harassment from others.
But the presence of anti-abortion activists outside clinics makes the space intimidating and increases the risk of potential violence.
This also has a negative impact on the lives of local residents who speak of their concerns about not knowing the motivations of random strangers hanging around their homes, especially when it is dark.
It is not only the general public that recognises the negative impact of anti-abortion activism. We have interviewed Christians who oppose abortion but nevertheless recognise that being outside abortion clinics is not just wrong but is a “misuse of prayer”.
This view is not just held by lay people. We also found some Catholic priests who did not support prayers outside abortion clinics.
Public shaming
Drawing public attention to abortion is central to the rationale of anti-abortion activists. By standing outside abortion clinics, anti-abortion activists invite passers-by to take notice of the service and those using it. The protest is aimed at making a private healthcare decision a public spectacle.
While a huge majority in Britain support access to abortion, it remains stigmatised. By standing outside of clinics, anti-abortion activists are seeking to encourage public shaming as a way of deterring abortion.
These two key points – individual intimidation and public shaming – have been recognised in UK courts who have sought to uphold the bufferzones that already exist in a few areas.
The Supreme Court recognised that the human rights of anti-abortion activists in Northern Ireland were restricted when they were prevented from being outside of an abortion service, but it was a necessary and proportionate action to protect the rights of women seeking abortion. In particular, the irony that anti-abortion activists complain about their own loss of freedom while seeking to restrict the freedom of others was noted.
Anti-abortion activists may claim that they are outside clinics to support women but our research shows their actions are a form of reproductive coercion. Their prayers, including silent prayers, are a central part of this strategy.
It needs to be recognised that their actions are actually preying on women through individual intimidation and public shaming, and they need to take their prayers elsewhere.
The more you pray outside an abortion clinic more more you disturb their conscience.
Please show up and keep praying.
If it’s silent, and expression less, how do they know one is actually praying?
Assume?
I understand what you wrote Morgana, we need to keep it up, but all they can really complain is some one is standing outside, if there is no outward sign of prayer being said.
Read the entire article again.
Also know that abortion is something they want to do in secret. When pro lifers are out there praying that means they are seen. By “they” I mean the people going into the clinic to have abortions. This is part of the reason why the deathscorts cover them with umbrellas or sheets. The other is so we can’t talk them out of abortion but part is to hide their identity.
Notice at the end the article talks about “public shaming”? When have we ever publicly shamed them? Never. They feel shame because we are there, and we are praying.
Immediately after which an additional item of legislation will be passed summarily declaring all "round-abouts," mailboxes, and fire hydrants to be "honorary" abortion clinics.
And voilà!
Regards,
Next up it will be illegal to have religious ceremonies at funerals.
Dear God...., help me combat this hate I feel for your enemies. Please help take it off my shoulders. Amen.
Serenity now.
And I've also found that one woman who doesn't mind your telling her that wearing a certain dress makes her look fat!
Regards,
Abortion is a violent form of permanent life coercion. Idiots.
And it will always remain stigmatized.
Every human being inherently knows that abortion is murder.
That knowledge is written on the human soul.
Abortion is the ultimate selfish act.
And the fact that abortion is the ultimate selfish act is probably one reason why it is central to who the Democrat Party is.
A normal thing to ask.
I've stood on the sidewalk outside of Planned Parenthood by myself, not holding a sign or shouting anything.
Just silently praying, and people drive by giving me "the finger" and shouting "F--- YOU!" (and other vile things).
They know I'm praying because the dark forces (demons) tell them.
And "they" hate that.
I’m wondering if a streaming camera recording and publishing photos of anyone going into abortutoriums is legal.
It’s a public space.
I think your pictures are needed here too
Arresting people for praying is a sign of tyranny!
So, if you prayed outside a liquor store, hoping people wouldn’t buy liquor (cuz it’s really bad for you!), do we think it would bother a single customer? If you’re not doing something awful, why would it bother you?
BUMP!!!
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