Nigel Farage has stirred controversy once again, teaming up with a US-based Christian advocacy group, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which campaigns to outlaw abortion globally. Farage is now calling for a parliamentary debate on reducing the UK’s 24-week abortion limit, raising eyebrows—and temperatures—on both sides of the debate.
Farage’s Call for Parliamentary Debate
Speaking at a London press conference, Farage questioned whether the UK’s 24-week abortion limit remains appropriate, given advances in neonatal care. “Is 24 weeks right for abortion, given that we now save babies at 22?” he mused. “That, to me, would be worthy of a debate in Parliament.”
The timing of his intervention coincides with his growing collaboration with ADF, a controversial group that has been accused of exporting extreme anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
Who Are the Alliance Defending Freedom?
ADF is no stranger to controversy. Branded a “hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Centre—though they reject the label—they’ve spearheaded Republican efforts in the US to restrict reproductive rights. The group’s UK branch, ADF International, has been working to forge ties with British MPs, including backing anti-abortion activism and challenging laws that aim to protect access to abortion clinics.
Prayers, Protests, and Payouts
Farage’s alliance with ADF follows a high-profile UK case involving anti-abortion activist Isabel Vaughan-Spruce. Represented by ADF International, Vaughan-Spruce was arrested for praying silently within a “buffer zone” near an abortion clinic. Although charges were dropped, she later won a £13,000 payout, reigniting debates about free speech and women’s rights.
Vaughan-Spruce is also a member of 40 Days for Life, a US-based group known for organising anti-abortion vigils and protests outside clinics worldwide, claiming to have closed 157 abortion centres.
Pro-Choice Groups Push Back
Louise McCudden of MSI Reproductive Choices UK wasn’t impressed by Farage’s latest crusade. She highlighted the importance of safe access zones, introduced to protect women from harassment at clinics.
“We’ve seen women shouted at, spat on, and handed false medical information,” McCudden said. “We even had rape survivors told they’d go to hell. We make no apologies for advocating for these women to access healthcare in peace.”
McCudden also took a swipe at ADF’s track record, referencing its support for the Global Gag Rule, which restricts international funding for abortion services: “We’ll take no lectures on free speech from a group that supports policies silencing women’s choices.”
Labour Government Takes Action
In response to growing anti-abortion activism, Labour’s government recently introduced safe access buffer zones around abortion clinics. The zones, which came into effect on 31st October 2024, prohibit harassment or intimidation within 150 metres of clinics. Those who break the law face unlimited fines.
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips defended the move: “Access to abortion is a fundamental right. No one should feel unsafe when seeking healthcare. For too long, clinics lacked these protections, and this government is determined to ensure women feel safe.”
Funding the Fight
ADF International’s UK branch has spent nearly £3.2 million since 2019, primarily advancing its mission to promote “Christian principles and ethics.” But pro-choice campaigners argue this funding fuels an agenda to erode reproductive rights.
Kerry Abel, chair of UK campaign group Abortion Rights, warned: “Anti-choice rhetoric is fundamentally about controlling women. We stand with the majority who believe in protecting reproductive rights. No rollbacks here.”
What’s Next?
With Farage entering the fray, backed by a well-funded and controversial US group, the UK’s abortion rights debate is heating up. While Labour strengthens safeguards, Farage’s push for a rethink will undoubtedly spark fierce opposition—and probably more headlines.
As always, Nigel Farage isn’t shying away from a fight, but whether his latest venture gains traction or fizzles out remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: the debate isn’t going anywhere.
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