FALSE FACTS AND MISCONCEPTIONS
Fears fake info leads women to access unsafe services
MEDICS fear women are being driven to access dodgy abortion services online after harassment by protesters at Scots clinics.
Doctors, nurses and other sexual health care providers say the presence of religious groups, such as 40 Days for Life, outside hospitals is “chilling”.
The group has been accused of targeting women at their most vulnerable and clinicians claim their scaremongering is so severe they even go as far as peddling leaflets telling women abortions can lead to cancer.
Medics shared their views yesterday at Holyrood in an evidence session on “buffer zones” legislation for clinics where abortions are carried out.
It is hoped the law, which was passed in Northern Ireland in 2022, would prevent protests within 200 metres of any clinic in Scotland.
MSPs heard from abortion services providers including the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of General Practitioners, NHS Lothian and Circle Health. Speaking to the Health, Social Care and
Sport Committee, Chris Provan, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland said: “We need to improve access. The British Society of Abortion Providers pointed out some women may be tempted to go on the internet to try to obtain drugs or go to non-regulated services.
“We don’t know what is in these medications. It’s not a regulated service so it is unsafe for them.”
Anti-abortion groups have put up graphic images of foetuses on fences and handed out leaflets in “prayer vigils” at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow.
Medics said groups are spreading misinformation.
Professor Sharon Cameron, a consultant in Gynaecology and Sexual and Reproductive Health, said: “The leaflets have false facts about the long-term effects of abortion. There is good evidence from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the
National Institute for Health Care Excellence that shows there are no long-term effects of abortion in terms of fertility and breast cancer.
“Yet, the literature that is being given out will allude to false facts, myths and misconceptions such as that. The leaflets also show images of a very advanced foetus. That is very emotive and the vast majority of women attending the services are coming at a very early stage of abortion.” She said women accessing services at Chalmers Sexual Health Clinic in Edinburgh were often forced to use staff entrances and to avoid demos.
She added: “Patients will phone up in advance of a consultation because they are anxious about entering the building. Women attending the clinics are clearly distressed.”
She added: “Staff have felt frustrated about their presence and that we are powerless to do anything about them.
“Protesters walk up and down the street and approach people walking by.
“It doesn’t matter whether they’re quiet, they’re doing these activities and approaching people. Their presence is chilling and it is unpredictable.”
Facilities have been targeted by groups such as 40 Days for Life. The group, which says it has “several hundred” volunteers in Scotland, was at QEUH last month. It is thought to be spearheaded by Rose Docherty, from Bishopbriggs. MSP Gillian Mackay, who introduced the Safe Access Zones Bill, said: “It’s important that we learn from those on the frontline of patient care and who will be responsible for implementing buffer zones.
“They are the ones who are working with patients in the aftermath of these kinds of protests, and their voices are crucial to ensuring we have the best and most robust legislation possible.”
the protesters’ presence is chilling and unpredictable PROF SHARON CAMERON ON IMPACT OF DEMOS