Otago man’s pointed protest
Abortion is an issue Sam Sharpe feels strongly about.
So strongly that over the last two months, he has stood near the main entrance to Dunedin Hospital holding up a sign aimed at the small group who gather to protest the hospital’s abortion clinics each Friday.
The sign features the word ‘‘dicks’’ and has an arrow shaped like a penis.
‘‘It is upsetting time for anyone having an abortion, but to walk past these guys ... well,’’ the Dunedin artist said.
He started protesting the anti-abortion protesters six years ago, and was later joined by some female pro-choice supporters.
Both groups maintain the relationship between the opposing sides is cordial.
Sharpe said last month he was outflanked by the group, so now has an extra sign with an arrow, shaped like a penis, to point in their direction.
‘‘It is interesting when I am out there how many beeps and waves I get, they come up and shake my hand, buy me coffee.’’
That was in stark contrast to the antiabortion protesters, he said.
Protesters Des, William and Ron said they preferred the term ‘‘pro-life’’ to antiabortion, and were not bothered by Sharpe’s counter-protest.
‘‘People are allowed to express their views,’’ Ron said.
Up to eight counter-protesters used to block them, but they soon got tired of turning up every week.
‘‘They don’t have the motivation that we do,’’ William, who holds a sign showing a fetus, said.
The pro-life group turns up rain, hail or shine, and are not fazed by any abuse they receive.
‘‘Most people ignore us.
‘‘We are just reminding people of the reality of abortion ... the truth is there, it is just that people to choose to ignore that.’’
Sharpe said his great-grandmother died after a botched abortion in England.
‘‘She had had so many kids, and went to get an abortion from some man down the street.’’
His grandmother was only 12 when her mum died and told she died of tuberculosis. She only learned the truth at a family reunion years later.
Southern District Health Board medicine, women’s and children’s directorate general manager Karin Drummond said it was not unusual for protesters to be present near hospitals and other health services across New Zealand and in other parts of the world.
‘‘As long as there is no danger to the safety and wellbeing of patients and staff or to the security of Southern DHB facilities, the individuals are legally allowed to be present and express their views.’’