Anti- Abortion Group Brings 'Graphic' Images To Ealing

Abort67 will be displaying photos outside Rupa Huq's offices

The abortion debate which has focussed attention outside the Marie Stopes clinic on Mattock Lane will move to W3 on Thursday (20th July) with what's been described as ' graphic images of abortion victims' due to be displayed.

( Rupa Huq's offices on Church Road)

Anti-abortion group 'Abort67' are travelling the country on what they say is a national ' awakening' tour. 2017 marks 50 years since the 1967 Abortion Act was passed, and since then they say there have been around 8.7 million abortions in the UK.

As both sides of the debate push their cause on this significant year, Ealing has been a particular hotspot for clashes between the pro-choice and pro-life camps.

Spokesperson Ruth Rawlins said: '' We are at this location because there has been significant backlash in Ealing against pro-lifers who regularly have a presence to help women outside Ealing Marie Stopes. In Ealing, an extreme pro-abortion lobby group called Sister Supporter have been particularly vitriolic. We are specifically outside Rupa Huq’s constituency office because she is recognised as a vocal advocate for abortion. The MP has joined pro-abortion groups on demonstrations and is also pushing for buffer zones outside abortion clinics.''

She says the displays will be filmed and live streamed on facebook and will be conducted peacefully and she cannot foresee any trouble ''unless it comes from the pro-abortion counter protesters who have often shown themselves to be quite aggressive in the past.''

The images which will be displayed are described as graphic but she says have been tested in the courts already and found to be lawful - because they depict a legal and scientifically accurate medical procedure.  She adds: ''There is nothing abusive, threatening or obscene about the images nor the accompanying wording.''

Ealing Today contacted Sister Supporter requesting comment regarding the proposed picket and was told they were aware that it is taking place.

In response to the news about the planned display Ealing Central and Acton MP, Rupa Huq, said: '' The harassment of staff and bullying of women while accessing services is precisely why I have called for protection zones around clinics in the first place. 

''Ironically news of this protest came just before I did an interview with the BBC on intimidation of candidates and while it was being filmed in my office Ealing Police rang to check in with me.

''I’ll actually be in Westminster on Thursday asking questions in the House of Commons on behalf of constituents so I’m not sure what this protest by this group will achieve as the main weekday users of the building where this demonstration will take place are a pensioners club and a ballet school.”

An Ealing Council spokesperson added: ''We are aware  that Abort67 may visit Ealing this week and we will be liaising with our colleagues in the police to ensure that the protest is monitored and managed effectively.''

19th July 2017