Christians for Choice

40 Days for Life are an Evangelical Christian anti-choice group whose mission is to ‘bring an end to abortion’. Their main activity is carrying out what they describe as ‘peaceful vigils’ outside facilities that provide abortions. These ‘vigils’ involve a constant presence outside of clinics for 40 days over the period of Lent. 40 Days for Life ‘vigils’ are far from peaceful; they are, in fact, a campaign of coercion. Their round-the-clock presence creates a climate of fear and intimidation and they are known to use tactics of harassment to deter women from seeking abortions.40 Days for Life volunteers approach and follow women entering and leaving clinics and have even been known to physically obstruct access. They hand out propaganda, particularly in the form of misleading and medically inaccurate leaflets, in an attempt to scare women into not carrying out a termination.

We believe 40 Days for Life are co-opting Lent, a time for solemn religious observance, to forward their agenda to stop abortion. Lent is a time to reflect and prepare for Easter through fasting, contemplation and penance. For most Christians, this will include giving up treats and indulgences, carrying out acts of charity and generally reflecting on how to be a better person in the world. Theologians would draw the link between the 40 days and nights Jesus fasted in the desert in preparation for his ministry and the period of contemplation now observed in preparation for Easter, with its traditions and rituals throughout. The 40 Days for Life campaign is completely incompatible with the true significance of Lent for Christians. Instead of using this period as a time for self-reflection and helping others, they use Lent as an opportunity to harass and intimidate women who choose to access a safe, legal procedure.

A woman accessing abortion in the UK should be entitled to safe and unobstructed access. From the moment she makes her decision, every step of the way should be planned and managed as safely as any other medical procedure. To have to encounter harassment and intimidation is clearly dangerous and unacceptable. Cloaking the targeting of abortion clinics as a Christian act during a period of religious reflection is deeply wrong. The victimisation of any person accessing any other medical treatment would be publicly condemned, and so should the activity of these groups.Ultimately it is not in line with line with the Biblical meaning of Lent or indeed overarching Christian values.

We are Christians that are standing up for women’s rights at Lent. Join me in standing up to anti-abortion bullies and join Christians for Choice today!

Edem Barbara Ntumy

Join us in standing up to anti-abortion bullies! Join Christians for Choice today!