Westminster pro-choice protest 20th May 08 – “Pro-Choice and we’re proud of it!”

My belief is that if men were the ones getting pregnant, abortions would be easier to get than food poisoning in Moscow.

- Dennis Miller

20/05/08’s emergancy protest came to light as the government tried to change the abortion limit law in the UK for the first time in 20 years. This protest is one of the best things I have ever had the privilege of doing and for that I am glad my mother chose to have me. But then again mothers do know best after all- they make the best choices for them and that is what is important. The protest was fantastic, everyone was so nice- well except for the enemy, they were a mean buch of old biddies. And I am not joking, most of them were old (and mean) men while in comparison we were a group of young women, some older and some were even men. None of those men would ever get pregnant yet they were there trying to dictate to us what would should do with our bodies. They didn’t like us saying to keep the 24 week time limit so why the hell would they think we would like them calling us “stupid”, “baby killers” and “murderers”?! Hmmm, I wonder what their mothers taught them!

I’ve got to admit I wasn’t best impressed when I was called a “baby killer” and a “murderer” but I was impressed that I did not give into the temptation of bitch-slapping that old bag. Now the way that old biddie was going on, that took some major self control. Between people on the street asking for pro-choice stickers and people responding to the sign that said “Honk if you’re pro-choice”, my favourite part was probably some of the MPs coming out to see us. They looked really happy (or at least the ones on our side) that we we’re there supporting a woman’s right to choose.

Upon arriving at Westminster, we saw exactly where we should be and on what side we were to be on. The huge mass of pink in comparison to the small little diddy bit of white made that crystal clear. That and the fact that the little white group (pro-life) weren’t actually visible until you actually stood next to the edge of the pro-choice group. Yey us! The two hours we were out there went extremely fast and I was kinda sad when it was over- especially when they made me give back my placard, I loved that thing. I can honestly say that in a situation like that is the only time I can forgive myself for being happy at people/lorries honking their horns at me. I can also say honestly that I couldn’t help but smile for most of the protest.

The pro-lifers managed to successfully show what a bunch of losers they were. That was a bit harsh. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t. Not only did they not make any noise whatsoever until about an hour into the protest, they also left early! Oh yeah that shows some real dedication and commitment! I mean, if I really believe in a cause I leave early too! Morons. While we were singing our made up chants, they were singing hymns. Yeah I know, sad isn’t it? It made me feel sorry for Jesus. I mean they couldn’t even memorise what they were singing- they brought hymn sheets!! But you know when people want to be heard that means we just need to be a bit louder, and its no hardship to see that we were. We even made channel four news, (watch here) if you look carefully in the video you can see me I am in the front line waving my placard happily, and if I must say, energetically too. And I bet you any money I can’t speak tomorrow because of how energetic I was!

And because we were energetic and we successfully showed our MPs what the majority wanted we were able to defeat attempts at lowering the abortion limit to 20 or 22 weeks. Tory MP Nadine Dorries‘ proposed 20 week limit was defeated by 332 votes to 190, and a move to bring in a 22-week limit was opposed by 304 votes to 233.

Overall, on our side, everything was a friendly and warm experience that I hope to repeat. Of course not for the same issue. I would hate all of that hard work to bring on another amendment so soon. But if it ever does you can bet I will be right back at the front protecting a woman’s right to choose.