A radical US organization advocating against abortion has increased their efforts to lobby in Westminster

American protests take place in London

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a conservative Christian organization that advocates for a ban on abortion, has formed connections with an advisor to the prime minister and is creating policy briefings for politicians. The UK branch of the US-based ADF has increased its spending and has been appointed as a stakeholder in a parliamentary group on religious freedoms, giving them direct access to MPs. This effort to expand their influence in the UK is part of a larger surge in activity within the anti-abortion movement, as revealed by an analysis by The Observer. 

With an upcoming vote on abortion laws, multiple anti-abortion groups have expanded their teams, increased advertising, and organized letter-writing campaigns targeting MPs. This has sparked calls for more transparency and accountability in terms of funding and lobbying activities. The ADF, in particular, is a powerful player in the US Christian right and is part of a global network of conservative evangelical groups that played a role in the repeal of Roe v Wade – the Supreme Court decision that granted women the right to abortion and was overturned in 2022.  

MP Fiona Bruce speaking at the Houses Of Parliament. United Kingdom

The ADF has also faced criticism for its lack of transparency in funding, due to its use of donor advised funds, which allows for anonymous donations. According to their latest financial accounts, ADF International UK spent nearly £1 million in 2023, up from £392,556 in 2020, and their income almost doubled from 2022 to 2023. The organization has been actively trying to establish closer relationships with MPs and has provided briefing materials and legal analysis to several MPs ahead of a vote on buffer zones to prevent anti-abortion activities outside clinics. In September 2023, they spent £1,737.92 to fly the prime minister’s special envoy on freedom of religion and belief, Fiona Bruce MP, to attend a conference, covering her hotel and travel expenses. Bruce, who reports directly to Rishi Sunak, appeared at an event sponsored by ADF International last month, speaking alongside two members of the organization. Despite being listed in the MPs register of interests and having voted against legalizing abortion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland, Number 10 did not respond to questions regarding her connections to the ADF. Attempts to contact her office also went unanswered.