On Oct. 28, members of an activist group against abortion gathered at Fanshawe’s college main campus, just outside the main doors of T Building. The protest was supposed to occur from 10 a.m. to noon, but the activists arrived around 12:30 p.m., confusing some students who witnessed the protest.

Fanshawe College informed students and staff of the planned demonstration via social media, warning students of the potentially triggering images the protestors were planning to display. 

“This may include graphic displays and messaging students could find challenging and upsetting,” the post read. The college encouraged those affected to seek support through campus resources. However, despite the advanced notice, the event’s timing shift led many to encounter the protest unexpectedly later in the day.

A student of Business Accounting at Fanshawe College, Caleigh Reid, described seeing three young women holding signs with graphic images.

“I felt awkward,” Reid said. “It was the first time I saw this kind of activism close to the college. In my six years as a student, I’ve never seen protests like that.”

Reid expressed concern about how such graphic displays could impact students, particularly those vulnerable to the subject matter.

“It worries me that they would allow something like this close to the institution,” she said.

The co-founder of the Viewer Discretion Legislation Coalition (VDLC), Katie Dean, shared her insights on the ongoing presence of this activism at Fanshawe and other educational institutions.

“They target Fanshawe College and Western University because they know young people may find themselves in situations where they are considering abortion,” Dean explained.  “This is an ongoing problem across the country.”

Dean noted that while the activists typically inform the college of their plans, the college’s response to offering counselling services seemed contradictory.

“It’s hypocritical to allow something that could cause harm to students while saying they’re here to protect their mental health,” she stated.

The college’s social media also garnered negative comments from students and members of the community, many of whom questioned why the group was allowed to protest on campus grounds at all.

Dean highlighted the use of distressing imagery by the activists, stating that it often misrepresents the realities of abortion.

“The images they use are misleading and serve as shame tactics. It’s not a black-and-white conversation. There are grey areas,” she said.

The timing of the activists’ appearance raised questions as well, as Dean suggested they may have delayed their arrival to avoid counter-protests from her coalition.

“They know I have a group that will counter-protest, so they may have chosen to come later,” Dean posited.

The media spokesperson for the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR), Blaise Alleyne, explained that the organization collaborates with local groups like London Against Abortion to conduct outreach that includes displaying graphic images of abortion procedures.

When questioned about the timing of their presence on campus, which was reportedly out of sync with the official Fanshawe College announcement, Alleyne clarified that CCBR works closely with local authorities, including campus security and police, to ensure compliance with guidelines for public demonstrations.

“I can’t speak to Fanshawe College’s announcement. Still, when we do outreach to educate the public about science, human rights and abortion, we work with all the relevant local authorities, whether that’s local police or campus security. But I’m not sure why there is a discrepancy with their announcement.”

Given the sensitive nature of their demonstrations, Alleyne acknowledged that the use of graphic images can be challenging for some viewers but argued that this reaction is part of why they use them.

“Photos of abortion victims can be alarming for people to see because they should be,” he explained. “We’re not talking about a blob of tissue or a clump of cells. [These are] innocent human beings.”

In response to calls for alternative communication methods that might be less distressing, Alleyne said the images of abortion procedures are essential in conveying their stance on abortion as a “violation of human rights.”

A representative for Fanshawe College acknowledged the protest days later, responding to the controversy sparked online by the demonstration and addressing the concerns of those who found the group’s message distressing.

“We understand that some of our students may have found the graphic displays and messaging upsetting,” they said.

While the college emphasized its commitment to free expression and respect for diverse viewpoints, it also highlighted the importance of student well-being.

“We value free speech but are dedicated to providing a safe and respectful environment,” the college stated. “Regrettably our communication leading up to the demonstration included an incorrect start time of 10 a.m.”