Stand up for Choice report 2026

Hundreds rallied at the Millicent Fawcett statue in Parliament Square on 5 September at this year’s Abortion Rights counterprotest against the annual anti-abortion “March for Life”.

The Stand up for Choice protest brought together activists young and old from all backgrounds, with one thing in common: a fierce commitment to oppose any threat to our reproductive rights. It was a fantastic display of resistance to the threat posed by the far right, Reform UK and the rise of US-style anti-abortion organisations.

The anti-abortion parade of bigots was smaller than in previous years but included far right individuals who aggressively tried to intimidate pro-choice demonstrators. Some carried large AI-generated images of a foetus, while some others wore t shirts declaring “From conception, no exception”, revealing their true aim – a complete abortion ban.

Our Abortion Rights protest remained buoyant, noisy and defiant despite constant provocation from overwhelmingly young men.

Our speakers included Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, a long-time supporter of defending abortion rights in parliament. We were also pleased to be joined by representatives of several trade unions: Rosie Kelly-Smith from the National Education Union (NEU); Bev Laidlaw from PCS and both Camden Unison and BFAWU sent messages of support, which were read out on the day.

We also welcomed Tilly Middlehurst, known for debating far right figures with ease; researcher Manna Mostaghim; Ophelia Chatterjee from Abortion Support Network; Louise McCudden, Head of External Affairs at MSI Reproductive Choices; Danielle Roberts, Co-convenor of Alliance for Choice Belfast; and Sophia Beach from Women Against the Far Right. Abortion Rights Chair Kerry Abel and Vice Chair Judith Orr chaired and wrapped up the rally before we all turned to face the anti-abortion campaigners and drown out their bigotry with our chanting.

We want to thank all our speakers and our wonderful volunteer stewards – we couldn’t do it without you! Most of all we want to thank everyone who turned up on the day and made it such a success, we hope you will get involved and, if you’re not already a member, join Abortion Rights.

We are the majority, but we need to be visible and loud and we need to be organised.

The rights we have were hard fought for by generations before us, and protecting and extending them takes all of us.

So whether you stood with us on Saturday, have recently started following us, or simply believe abortion is healthcare and our rights are worth defending, please consider becoming a member and getting involved in our cause.

We’ve grown a lot recently, so if you’re new here, let us introduce ourselves.

Abortion Rights is a member-led and member-funded campaign. We rely on people who believe abortion rights are worth fighting for. Our strength comes from our members, from people joining, organising, showing up and refusing to be silent.

You can join us for just £2 a month, with concessionary rates available, and student membership is only £5 a year.

If you are a trade union member, check if your national union is affiliated to the campaign, and even if it is your local branch can become an affiliate and make a contribution.

Join Abortion Rights, help shape our campaign, and make a real impact.

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