At the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom (UK), a new pro-life group has been formed, dubbing themselves “The Manchester Pro-Life Society.” Though the group has existed for less than two months, it has already received backlash.
The Manchester Pro-Life Society said it exists to “promote the wellbeing, and dignity of every human life, from conception.” The group was officially formed on January 11, 2024, and an Instagram post announced the committee on February 9.
Soon after this group was created, controversy began to surround it. In the past month, over 15,000 people have signed a petition calling for the group to be dissolved. The student-organized petition criticized the society, claiming it added to an “already prevalent stigma” surrounding abortion.
Pro-abortion students at the university claimed to MSN that the pro-life club makes them “fear for their safety.” One anonymous student wrote, “I am a concerned student at the University of Manchester, [and I am] deeply troubled by the potential harm that could be caused by our university’s Pro-Life Society.”
Regardless of these students’ protests, the University of Manchester’s student union says that this Pro-Life Society has every right to exist. It established themselves under the rules of the university, and it is properly registered. The student union said it would be unable to disband the group, according to ITV.
The society itself considers itself “not an anti-abortion society but a pro-life society.” Comments on the group’s Instagram page have been very different from the conflict they’ve engrossed in on campus, with people commenting, “Epic work guys! I may not go to Manchester, but best of luck!” and, “So sorry to hear about the negative comments you are receiving. Well done for standing up for the rights of the unborn.”
Abortion has been legal in the UK up to 24 weeks of pregnancy since 1967.
