Abortion Isn’t Healthcare”: Hundreds Gather in Central London for Annual March for Life

“We’re marching because women, and their babies, deserve far better than abortion,” said Vaughan-Spruce. “Abortion is not healthcare. Studies have shown that 1 in 17 women using mail-ordered abortion pills end up in hospital with complications. Unborn children are not a disease; they are human beings who deserve respect and equality.”

Hundreds of passionate pro-life supporters flooded the streets of central London today for the annual March for Life, an event themed “Abortion isn’t healthcare.” The demonstrators rallied in defense of the right to life for unborn children and advocated for better services to support women facing unplanned pregnancies without resorting to abortion.

The event comes in the wake of alarming abortion statistics released by the Department of Health and Social Care in May 2024, showing a record-breaking 252,122 abortions in England and Wales for 2022—an increase of almost 20% from 2021. With one in three women in the UK expected to have an abortion in their lifetime, pro-life campaigners expressed deep concerns over the rising numbers and the lack of support for women and children.

The March began after a summit at the Emmanuel Centre, where former abortion doctors, current medical professionals, and abortion survivors gathered for discussions on alternatives to abortion. Counter-protesters gathered outside, but the pro-life participants remained focused on their message. Lois McLatchie-Miller, spokesperson for ADF UK (Alliance Defending Freedom UK), who chaired the summit, posted on social media about the stark contrast between the two groups, remarking: “Note the black masks over the face. Very different vibe to the joyful, colourful, celebration of life taking place inside… we’re campaigning for BETTER than abortion for women & babies.”

The March for Life coincides with recent parliamentary debates surrounding attempts to decriminalise abortion up to birth for any reason, which were narrowly avoided earlier this year due to an election called before the completion of the government’s Crime and Sentencing Bill. However, many pro-life campaigners remain vigilant about future attempts to push for such legislation.

McLatchie-Miller voiced concern: “Only one per cent of Brits actually support abortion for any reason, all the way up to birth. If certain MPs had their way, this would be the case today. Decriminalising abortion would remove safeguards preventing women from self-performing dangerous, late-term abortions on viable, sentient babies. The fight isn’t over.”

Organizers, including Isabel Vaughan-Spruce—who recently made headlines after winning a £13,000 payout from West Midlands Police for her wrongful arrest near an abortion clinic—echoed the sentiment that women deserve better than abortion.

“We’re marching because women, and their babies, deserve far better than abortion,” said Vaughan-Spruce. “Abortion is not healthcare. Studies have shown that 1 in 17 women using mail-ordered abortion pills end up in hospital with complications. Unborn children are not a disease; they are human beings who deserve respect and equality.”

The rally featured notable speakers like Dr. Haywood Robinson, a former abortion doctor turned pro-life advocate, and Dr. Calum Miller, a medical doctor and abortion researcher. Both addressed the physical and emotional toll abortion takes on women, warning that abortion increases the risk of anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide.

Dr. Robinson emphasized: “We are marching for life not only because of the millions of babies lost to abortion, but because of the millions of women hurt by it. Abortion is not a solution, it’s a crisis in itself.”

As the marchers made their way through the streets, their message was clear: they are fighting for a society that offers better solutions for both women and their unborn children. With growing concerns about the future of abortion legislation in the UK, today’s event was a powerful reminder that, for the pro-life community, every life matters—and the fight continues.