Abortion Activism and Support

This chapter examines the actions and responses to anti-abortion activism, focusing on two specific activities: actions directly outside of abortion clinics and crisis pregnancy services. The chapter begins with a brief overview of these activities in the British context, followed by an outline of the experiences of a minority who were directly involved with anti-abortion activities. These accounts will then be contrasted with the majority who were uncomfortable with clinic activism in particular, and whether or not activities directly outside abortion clinics constituted harassment. Finally, we will illustrate the narratives of direct support parishioners had given others who were having abortions, even if they were against abortion for themselves. This chapter demonstrates that there are various interpretations of ethical practice and behaviour, leading to broader contestations regarding what it means to be a ‘good’ Catholic among participants.