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Anti-abortion protesters outside Maternity Hospital

Posted By aryatara

"Anti-abortion protesters outside Maternity Hospital"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Gynaecology Services

(as a friend),

I recently visited a friend at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. My friend has recently had to undergo the trauma of a termination due to medical reasons. I was absolutely gobsmacked to find that outside the Maternity Hospital, were a group of people 'peacefully protesting' abortion.

I find it outright appalling that this is allowed to happen outside a hospital and is a total disregard for people's autonomy and right's to follow UK law.

I really can't comprehend how the hospital allows these people on their property, and can't think of the sheer judgement patients must feel.

I found their presence to be very oppressive, and my friend felt threatened and humiliated by their presence.

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Responses

Response from Margaret Meredith, Nurse Manager, Womens Services, NHS Grampian 7 years ago
Margaret Meredith
Nurse Manager, Womens Services,
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 22/03/2017 at 08:28
Published on Care Opinion on 23/03/2017 at 16:59

Dear Aryatara,

Thank you for taking time to post on Patient Opinion. I am sorry your friend had an upsetting experience when entering the hospital grounds at a time when she must have already been distressed - and I understand this would have been upsetting for you too.

The peaceful protest was for '40 days for life'. Those in vigil did not want to prevent access and only gave out leaflets if approached.

Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and this is closely linked to the right to freedom of expression. However, it is disappointing when freedom of expression causes distress for others. NHS Grampian can do no more than monitor the situation – we cannot make the protesters leave.

I hope that your friend is recovering well.

Best wishes.

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