A Statement from FemCells South London

As a group, we were disgusted to discover that the organisation 40 Days of Life were conducting a USA style ‘vigil’ outside the Bedford BPAS clinic. This has consisted of harassing the women visiting; taking photos, pestering and preaching to those already in a vulnerable place and needing support. It is a violation of their space and privacy as well as being incredibly disrespectful not only to the individual, but to any woman’s rights to her own body. This act is even supported by a Bishop Alan Hopes, auxiliary bishop of Westminster.

In response, we decided to let them know how it feels to have their sacred space violated. We conducted a protest outside Westminster Cathedral, and our demands were simple; leave the women using BPAS alone, and we’ll leave you alone. We believe as inappropriate and taboo it is to protest at a church at the end of a service, it is much much worse to bully and harass women who are making choices perfectly within their rights and the law (a law that has thankfully been in place for almost 50 years).

Predictably, the bishop deemed himself above communicating with us, leaving to his congregation to confront us on his behalf (so much for a spiritual figurehead), so we decided to bring the argument straight to his door, with a banner drop on his house. Despite any of our members attitudes to the church, this is not an attack on Catholics themselves, this is a retaliation against an organisation who seeks to use abusive tactics to push their agenda against women and the law feminists have fought for.

There is also a counter protest outside the clinic, which some members wish to attend, though all of us are very aware of not wanting to cause the women there any more disturbance, (another reason for the actions we’ve already taken).

To conclude, I hope you will join us in saying;

“Bishop Hopes, shame on you, come to us we’ll come to you!”

jhhhs