Abortion protests cause ‘distress’ on uni campus
GRAPHIC anti-abortion protests have been criticised for causing “trauma and distress” to students after returning to Cardiff University.
Complaints have been launched by staff and students after campaigners from the Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform UK demonstrated outside the university on Monday, the first day of term.
In December groups of students gathered to block the view of posters claiming to depict a “10-week aborted fetus” on two occasions.
The protests started after Cardiff University Students’ Union voted to take a pro-choice stance during an AGM held in November.
Students’ Union president Jackie Yip has now called on the university, council and police to help prevent the images from returning to the campus in Park Place.
Ms Yip said: “We have received many complaints from staff, students and the local community stating the
CBR UK displays are causing significant distress and upset.
“The welfare of our staff and students is a priority; that is why we are seeking support in preventing the continuation of the displays.
“This is not about suppressing freedom of speech, this is about calling out harassing behaviour and showing compassion to those who feel affected by these actions.”
In a separate statement shared on Facebook, Ms Yip urged students to call 101 to report the protesters.
She said: “Moving them on isn’t as simple as it seems if they are not on private ground.
“We are speaking to the local council, the university and the police to build a case that these actions are causing undue distress and trauma to our students.”
International affairs student Tessa Hannah said the posters had a significant impact on her mental health after seeing the protest on the first day of term.
Tessa, who had an abortion at the age of 16, said: “I was having a really nice day, feeling really happy. I had a three-hour seminar and came across these images and they are so triggering. I felt like I was being harassed.
“These people don’t understand these images have such a human impact on everyone around them.
“I went to my lecture completely sidelined, not concentrating. I was really upset, I had a bit of a cry before I went in there. “
Tessa added: “These people should not be allowed to ruin our education.
“I’m the first person up for a debate about anything but they are just trying to provoke a reaction.
“I felt so angry and frustrated that we are having these discussions again.
“It’s harassing me, it’s harassing all other women. It’s our choice what we do with our bodies and our lives.”
A Cardiff University spokesman said police had been called to previous protests where campaigners had trespassed onto university ground.
He said: “This is an extremely sensitive issue. We encourage freedom of speech and robust academic debate and respect the right to peaceful and lawful protest.
“However, if protesters encroach on university property without permission, we will continue to ask them to move. If there is evidence of protesters breaking the law, we will continue to refer the matter to the police for investigation.
“We recognise the strength of feeling and the university is monitoring the situation and continues to work alongside our Students’ Union and other partners to do everything we can to address these concerns.”
South Wales Police was asked to comment.