CHURCHES RECRUITING ABORTION PROTESTERS

City hospital and women targeted as Catholic parishioners are asked: What are you doing for Lent?'

- KAITLIN EASTON

CATHOLIC churches have come under fire for recruiting people to join protests run by a US-based anti-abortion group.

Texas-based 40 Days for Life has been slammed by pro-choice campaigners, MSPs and medical staff for holding "prayer vigils" outside clinics in Scotland.

Members of the group spend up to 12 hours a day holding signs with wording such as "We can help you" as they recite prayers and clutch rosary beads.

Their presence has been criticised for distressing women trying to access healthcare facilities.

The latest campaign, expected to run until March 24, comes as consideration of stage 1 of the Abortion Services Safe Access Zones (Scotland) Bill begins this month.

Now, the Record can reveal a number of Catholic churches in Glasgow are appealing

to their parishioners to join protests planned at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Holy Cross Parish, St Margaret Mary's RC Church and the Diocese of Paisley have posted notices inviting then to attend the vigils.

Holy Cross wrote: "40 Days for Life -Ash Wednesday, 14 February 2024 until Palm Sunday 24 March 2024: What are you going to do for Lent? "Please consider joining our 40 Days for Life Peaceful Prayer and Fasting Vigil outside of the grounds of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Govan, Glasgow." The Diocese of Paisley posted to their parishioners to join protests planned at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Holy Cross Parish, St Margaret Mary's RC Church and the Diocese of Paisley have posted notices inviting then to attend the vigils.