What people don’t realize is how much religion costs.
They think that faith is a big electric blanket, when of course
it is the cross. ~ Flannery O’Connor
On August 27th this year 75-year-old Rose Docherty was arrested by Glasgow Police while standing silently outside Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Her crime? Peacefully holding sign that read; “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.”
A couple things of note; Queen Elizabeth University Hospital performs abortions up to 14 weeks. If a woman is beyond 14 weeks they “provide you with further information, or with your permission, refer you to another termination of pregnancy service. “. QEUH is one of 30 “Safe Access Zones” in Scotland. “Safe Access Zones are in place everywhere that abortion services are provided. Within a Safe Access Zone, it’s illegal to try to influence, harass, or prevent anyone from accessing or providing abortion services.”
(https://www.nhsggc.scot/hospitals-services)
It should be noted also that, by law, these zones extend a default radius of 200 meters.
Rose was exactly 200 meters from the hospital when arrested. She had not approached or spoken to anyone, simply offered consensual conversation, and prayed.
This is the 2nd time in fact she has been arrested. For the same crime, with the same sign, on February 19th of the same year. Simply for praying and being a silent presence in case there is anyone who wants to talk. Reacting to her arrest, she said:
“Everybody has the right to engage in consensual conversation.”
I held my sign with love and compassion, inviting anyone who wants to chat, to do so.
This story really struck a chord with me and I felt compelled to share with all of you. The very heart of our faith is prayer. Going to the foot of the cross. Selflessly giving of ourselves despite every obstacle, to do what is needed. To speak for those who cannot. To be a place of refuge for those who need shelter. To be armed for battle for those who cannot protect themselves. And in Rose’s case – to be a listening ear for those who cry to be heard.
At Next Step women come in for a variety of reasons but above all its to be heard. To be given a chance to consider all options. To consider from so many angles how their choices will affect them, their families, their futures. A protected place to obtain information, resources, encouragement, and prayer.
We will not be silenced from offering compassionate care, charity, and truth. Not all outcomes are known to us and not all stories progress to where we hope but our clinic is, if nothing else, a buffer zone, for women and families, to shelter from the celebration of self-worship, self-indulgence, and self-absorption that permeates our culture. We do not coerce, we listen and talk, if you want.
Affectuose in Christo and with sincere gratitude ~ Heather Vasquez
P.S. Don’t forget the Open House coming up on Sunday October19th. Drop in 1p-4p!
P.P.S. We are hiring for a part time RN to assist with early ultrasound and more! Please email heather@nextstepnw.com
