A midwifery student from America studying in Scotland faced a temporary suspension from her training with the National Health Service (NHS) due to remarks she made on a private Facebook group where she voiced her objection to participating in abortions. Sara Spencer, a student at Edinburgh Napier University, was removed from her training placement at NHS Fife hospital following comments made in response to a discussion about midwives’ involvement in abortions and their right to conscientiously object. Spencer mentioned that midwives have the right to refuse participation in abortions under Scottish law and expressed her personal objection to being involved in ending an unborn child’s life. These statements sparked a review of her fitness to practice by the university.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) UK is providing legal support to Spencer, arguing that her removal violated the rights of medical staff and students to express their beliefs freely and conscientiously object. After a meeting with her line manager at NHS Fife and an internal investigation by Edinburgh Napier University, Spencer was cleared of all charges and allowed to resume her placement. With ADF’s assistance, Spencer is now advocating for acknowledgment and protection of the rights to conscientious objection and freedom of expression of protected beliefs within the NHS, to prevent discrimination against individuals expressing pro-life views in the future.
“Beliefs,” she mentioned. “How were they going to ensure the protection of that individual from being targeted again? And from undergoing an unnecessary investigation? I wasn’t able to engage in any of those discussions.”UK Woman Threatened With Fine For Praying Within Abortion Facility’s ‘Buffer Zone’: ‘Grossly Orwellian’
The Scottish Government is presently reviewing the country’s abortion law. A spokesperson for Edinburgh Napier University informed Fox News Digital: “We are unable to comment on individual student circumstances.” The statement also noted, “All midwifery students are expected to adhere to the code of practice established by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.”
According to ADF UK, Spencer’s professors have continued to caution her regarding her social media activity, deeming her statements on her pro-life beliefs as “inappropriate.” “It left me with a semblance of hope,” Spencer remarked on the outcome of the investigation. “‘Yes, you can return, we’ll take you back, albeit reluctantly. You can continue your studies.’ However, I returned with a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty about my standing with NHS Fife and what actions I can confidently take moving forward in terms of my freedom of expression. And, that’s where I still find myself.”
“I have been very apprehensive about expressing my views publicly again, as I have not received any assurances that I will not endure the same process again,” she further added.
Lois McLatchie Miller, a Scottish representative for ADF UK, informed Fox News Digital that Scotland’s laws safeguard freedom of conscience for all medical professionals, who should never be coerced to act in a manner they find harmful. Miller explained that the Scottish Government is currently reviewing the country’s abortion law, with a panel of experts from the abortion industry leading the process. The Abortion Law Review Expert Group is anticipated to present recommendations to Scottish ministers in 2025 on potential changes to the existing law.
“One of the topics under consideration is freedom of conscience, so Sara’s situation could not underscore more strongly the necessity of upholding robust protections for freedom of conscience for every medical professional,” Miller stated. “We recognize that nobody should ever be obliged to participate in an abortion. The last thing anyone wants is to force someone to do something against their will, regardless of their beliefs.”
“What’s crucial at the moment is acknowledgment from NHS Fife regarding every medical professional’s right to free speech, the right to express themselves on important matters, and especially in Sara’s case, being part of a private Facebook group,” she added. “It is well within her rights to be able to engage in discussions with her peers on pertinent subjects.”
Miller pointed out that Sara’s case also underscores the significance of academic freedom and highlights instances where pro-life students have felt marginalized on campus or had to struggle to uphold their right to express themselves freely.
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“I have been very
“Our midwifery student in Scotland is facing backlash for expressing her views on diversity both at her university and in her workplace,” according to Igunnubole. He pointed out that universities in the country have struggled to maintain true diversity of thought despite having various diversity policies in place, often penalizing students who peacefully voice their own opinions. He emphasized the importance of legislation that upholds freedom of speech in academic settings to protect the reputation of Scottish universities.
Recently, a 74-year-old grandmother was arrested by Scottish police for engaging in conversations with women considering abortions within a designated buffer zone, where pro-life speech is prohibited near abortion facilities. This arrest marked the first under The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, implemented in September 2024.
During a meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Vice President J.D. Vance at the White House, concerns were raised about the restrictions on freedom of speech in the UK, which also impact American technology companies and citizens.
