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An anti-abortion group has been criticised after putting up large sized graphic images in the middle of a busy street in Cardiff.

CBR UK have staged two demonstrations outside Cardiff University in protest after its Student Union voted to take a pro-choice stance on the issue.

The protest on Saturday saw large images, that we've pixellated, of a "10 week aborted fetus" that left many angry and upset.

So when the anti-abortion group returned for a second time on Wednesday, around 50 students from the University flocked to the scene to block the images with their own banners and placards.

(Image: CBR UK)

Ellie Thomas, an English literature and creative writing student at Cardiff University said: "I’m always up for a reasoned argument but I believe this was taking matters too far.

"The images were upsetting for those who have been through the experience of losing or terminating a pregnancy.

The 22-year-old, from Pontypool, added: "I understand they wish to make a statement but it seemed they didn’t care for the mental well-being of anyone who saw them.

"They really don’t consider anyone's mental aspects of what they’re doing.

"Hopefully Cardiff Uni can prevent it coming back."

(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne) (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

On Wednesday, students holding signs reading "protect reproductive rights", "fearmongering is wrong" and "my body my choice" gathered to block the graphic images from view.

The group, which was also joined by students supporting the University and College Union strikes, also chanted "spread your hate somewhere else" and cheered as the protesters left the site.

Zoe Bessant, a first year human geography student, said: "Not only is this a university, it's a city centre and we have families and people from all sorts of walks of life coming up this street.

"For those, even those that haven't had an abortion, these images are shocking and they really don't reflect what we as Cardiff University represent."

(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Ayla Morris, a medical pharmacology student, said: "They disseminate pamphlets with very misleading information.

"Part of the pro choice ruling is that they are not allowed to disseminate misinformation about abortion within the uni.

"It's nothing against freedom of speech, it's purely misinformation."

One protester, who brought an oil painting of flowers with them to block the posters, said: "I thought I wanted to bring something pretty for people to look at.

"These are really graphic images and they are inaccurate.

"This is quite a big painting so it can cover quite a lot. A lot of people have reacted quite well to it."

"This is aesthetic warfare."

CBR claimed their protests was to be a "voice for the unseen victims of abortion".

A spokeswoman said: "The SU is indeed following the disturbing trend seen at other universities to adopt a pro-abortion stance.

"The majority of the complaints are about the banner images, but why would it be a problem to show abortion victim photos if abortion itself is such a noble choice and just the removal of a clump of cells?

"If it makes people angry to see our images, perhaps it's because what our images show is much worse than people want to believe."

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A Cardiff University spokesman said: "We recognise this is an extremely sensitive issue which divides opinion. Whilst the University actively encourages freedom of speech and robust academic debate it does not take a public position on such matters.

“The protest outside Main Building was in response to the Cardiff University Students’ Union democratic structures reaching a decision to adopt a pro-choice position.

“We respect the right to peaceful and lawful protest. However, when protesters encroach onto university property, without permission, we reserve the right to ask them to move.

“Where a protest takes place on the public highway the university is unable to intervene. If there is evidence of protesters breaking the law the university would of course refer the matter to the police for investigation.

“The University will continue to monitor the situation. If, at any point, the protesters return and encroach onto university property, without permission to do so, they will be asked to leave.”