BPAS to end abortions at Bedford Square clinic

The Bedford Square clinic of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) is to stop providing abortions from the end of this month.

Pro-lifers have been holding prayer vigils and protests at the Bedford Square clinic for around 13 years. In 2005 a nine-day novena of prayer was held at the centre, attended by 21 priests, while 40 Days for Life prayer vigils have been held there twice a year for the last three years. One of these vigils was attended by Bishop Alan Hopes, then auxiliary bishop of Westminster.

The BPAS clinic is not closing, but a spokeswoman for the organisation said it would be “moving some of its services” to its clinic in Stratford, east London.

The spokeswoman added: “There’s been no drop off in numbers, but this isn’t a residential area. We’re opening up smaller clinics, more of them, nearer to where women live.”

Mark Banks, communications coordinator of 40 Days for Life, said: “God has heard the prayers of the 10,000-plus individuals who have participated in 40 Days for Life vigils in central London in the last few years. Our prayers continue to be with the mothers and children who have had their lives ruined through abortions at Bedford Square. Given this facility is not entirely closing down we shall assess our presence at this clinic for our next scheduled vigil commencing September 25.”