A SCOTTISH woman who went viral after challenging anti-abortion protesters has been backed by a raft of famous faces.
On Wednesday, a handful of activists from a US anti-abortion group were seen close to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where they are set to protest for 40 days.
Following the introduction of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act last year, protesters are banned within 200m of a clinic where abortion care is offered.
The US group 40 Days For Life has said they will continue to protest just outside the 200m limit – but they were challenged by local resident El Johnstone in a video which went viral on social media.
“You should be ashamed of yourselves,” Johnstone said in the clip.
This woman called out anti-abortion protesters in Glasgow... 🗣️ 'They know what they're doing, it's disgusting' pic.twitter.com/lefZFusKHd
— The National (@ScotNational) March 5, 2025
“You have no idea what the women there have gone through or are going through, you do not know. You have no respect for the women, you don’t care about the women.”
A video of the exchange shared by The National on Instagram has been viewed around two million times, accruing more than 160,000 likes and thousands of comments.
Among those commenting on Johnstone’s intervention were a host of famous faces showing their support.
“Bravo,” TV personality Denise Welch – the mother of 1975 frontman Matty Healy – commented, adding a congratulations emoji.
Welch’s Loose Women co-star Vicky Pattison also commented in support, writing: “I love her.”
“Sister!!!”, Alison Goldfrapp, the lead vocalist of the band Goldfrapp, said, adding a series of clapping emojis.
And comedian Rachel Parris wrote: “She is brilliant and brave [heart emoji, congratulations emoji].”
Speaking to The National after the video’s success, Johnstone, who has experience of miscarriage, said she felt overwhelmed at the response but wants to use her newfound platform to highlight the ongoing issue.
She is calling on people to write to their MSPs and request their support to extend the buffer zone along Shieldhall Road, the main road leading to the Glasgow hospital which the protesters target.
