'Choose Life' anti-abortion campaigners begin 40-day vigil outside superhospital

Eight people from the 40 Days For Life group stood with placards near the entrance to the maternity ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to mark the start of their 40 day vigil.

Seven women and one man quietly prayed and held signs saying choose life" and "pray for an end to abortion" as drivers and passed them on Hardgate Road.

One male driver shouted something at the group as he drove by, while another honked their horn as they passed.

Rose Docherty, campaign director, said the group would "maintain the integrity of the vigil prayer site" and did not want to comment further on the protest, which has been blasted by thousands of people who have signed a petition calling for it to be banned.

It is the first campaign by 40 Days For Life to come to Scotland, having originated in America. 

Visitors going in to the hospital said they were not concerned by the group but one visitor said they "could be seen as intimidating."

Another woman, who did not want to be named, said: "Everyone makes their own decisions.

"I'm not really sure why they are here, but I'm glad they're not right outside the maternity bit, that would be too much.

"I suppose it's their choice to have this here.

"I'm not really for or against (the vigil)."

Staff also said they were not worried by the event.

The 40 Days for Life group will maintain thei vigil outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital until March 20.

A statement from the campaign reads: “ From February 10 to March 20, our community will take part in 40 Days for Life … a groundbreaking, coordinated international mobilization.

“We pray that, with God’s help, this will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in our city — and beyond.”

The controversial event has attracted criticism from thousands of people, with more than 4000 signing a petition in the last three weeks calling for it to be banned.

The petition states that “NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board & Police Scotland revoke this permission allowing both service users and staff to access the hospital safely.”

It also argues that the protests “could cause distress not only to women in need of the abortion services (at a time of emotional distress and or vulnerability) but also staff and those accessing other services in the hospital.”

Although the event does have permission from the police, the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board said campaigners were not allowed on hospital grounds and would have to remain on the street outside the facility.

Video by Colin Templeton