British Expatriate Network

Round here, we often get anti-abortion protesters standing outside clinics holding up large colour pictures of aborted fetuses. I had thought it must happen everywhere, but my friend who moved here form the LA area had never encountered it before moving here.

Does this happen where you live? And what do you think of the tactics? (regardless of what you think of abortion or these protestors' views).

Our playgroup (well the mums) were discussing it, and our views on abortion pretty much cover the spectrum, but we all agreed that

(i) seeing such pictures would not change our opinions, they would probably only be likely to influence the opinions of (younger) people who have not really considered the matter yet

(ii) the younger impressionable people who see these images include our preschool and elementary school children -children old enough to be horrified, but too young to truly understand and consider this issue. Sometimes it does not take much to traumatise a child. These protestors cannot truly care about the lives of children if they force 5 year olds to see this stuff? Are they hoping to win their war by blackmailing parents of young children (if you close the clinic we'll go away)?


I don't deny them their right to protest and to use these images as part of their protest, but I question that using the images in this way is consistent with the protection of children?

What do you think?

...We did consider the argument that if it horrifies an innocent child then it is horrific and should be banned, but many things horrify innocent children, not all of which are preventable and not all of which are rational, reasonable and/or undesirable.

Let's be honest, what are the odds of some teenage girl getting out of a car outside the clinic, seeing these posters and going "D'oh! How could I have been so wrong? I'm keeping the baby yes sirree."

Well there is a possibilty that would work, but where is the more harm done? Is the "life" of one fetus worth more the trauma that might be inflicted on many born children? Possibly.

Most of these pictures seem to be near-term fetuses. I'm pretty sure if you've made up your mind to have an abortion by that point you're probably not going to let a few pictures put you off.

These people, however, are not protesting to the people entering the clinic, but the people driving by. They stand at the roadside facing the traffic, which is why the children cannot help but see.

I am undecided as to what I think of them holding those photos on placards outside the clinics, but I will tell you this When I was a teenager - about 15 probably - we were shown some literature about abortion at school. Included were photographs of aborted fetuses. Not ugly pictures meant to horrify, but to show us how far developed the babies were at the time of abortion. The photo that sticks most in my mind was that of a tiny baby's foot held between a man's thumb and forefinger - showing all its toes. Those photos made me decide than and there that I could never ever have an abortion myself. This was not a blob, but a miniature human baby.

and at 15 I think you're old enough to consider these things as rationally as anyone can. But 5?

I assume they do it to outrage and get people talking. In that respect they have done their job. I don't believe that they care who is seeing the signs as long as the point is made.

But how can a person trulycare about the life of the unborn and yet have so little regard for the lives of the born?

...and yes, I agree that if their aim is to get people talking, then they are successful. Whether or not the talking that goes on works in the favour of the anti-abortion movement is another issue

So does anyone else get this type of protest where they are?

I agree, five is too young for it to be at all meaningful unless they ask and are told that these are photos of dead pre-born babies. I was certainly not agreeing with the actions of these protesters.

We do get placard-bearing protesters at the Planned Parenthood clinic in the area, but none at the one near our house - that one goes unnoticed because the car park is overgrown, the only sign outside is a "To Let" sign and it looks unoccupied. We only know that it is used because about once every couple of months on a Saturday there are half a dozen cars parked outside.

I don't recall placards with photos though.

The thing is, they don't need to be told. It's obvious. :cry:

(not the unborn bit, but the dead baby bit)

Hanv,nt seen it here but then im not looking for it .

Did encounter some violent protesters when i lived in VA.

I imagine we do, but I've never seen one.

Not like I pass these clinics on a daily basis. They can wave signs all they want. Doesn't mean I have to pay attention to them. Explain it to the kids as more Amurrikan nuttery.

You don't have to look for it -these things are over 5 foot square and waved in front of your windscreen. To fail to see them would be seriously worrying. I suspect your answers must be no.