DISTRESSING & DISGUSTING

Residents hit Out as pro-life group hold protest near maternity unit

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RESIDENTS living near a maternity unit demanded a religious group “go home” after it began a series of pro-life protests, despite new buffer zone laws.

Members of Texas-based 40 Days for Life were branded “disgusting” as they held a prayer vigil on the main route to the maternity ward at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) yesterday.

The demonstration was the first of a series expected to be held every day until April 13 - in spite of new laws to prevent such activity within 200 metres of any abortion clinic.

The group gathered on Shieldhall Road, just outside the hospital's new safe access zone, but were well within view of patients and staff as they held rosary beads and placards.

Neighbours told the Record they were left “deeply distressed” by their presence.

Many called for the buffer zone area to be expanded, a move the Scottish Government has said it can consider if enough people come forward to report issues with the group.

Melanie Long 34 who previously received care at the hospital's maternity unit after a miscarriage, said: “The first thing I saw when I opened the curtains this morning were these protesters.

“I find it extremely distressing. I thought we wouldn't have this issue any more.