Should MN support a BPAS call for non-protest 'buffer zones' outside abortion clinics? Tell MNHQ what you think

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello all

We've been contacted by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, who want to know whether Mumsnet can support a call they're going to make for buffer zones around abortion clinics - and as ever we'd like to run it past MNers to see what you think.

Here's what BPAS say:

'Over recent years there has been an escalation in anti-abortion activity outside clinics in the UK. Women attending pregnancy advice and abortion centres are now regularly exposed to groups of anti-abortion activists standing directly outside. Many of these protesters bear large banners of dismembered foetuses, distribute leaflets containing misleading information about abortion, and follow and question women as they enter or leave the centres. Often, these people carry cameras strapped to their chests or positioned on a tripod. Women report feeling intimidated and distressed by this activity as they try to access a lawful healthcare service in confidence. Pregnant staff at clinics have on occasion needed escorting from the building by the police. Recently, NHS staff on premises where a clinic is located have felt so intimidated by the presence outside they have asked for the abortion service to be withdrawn. The closure of a service as a result of anti-abortion activity would be unprecedented.'

'We believe enough is enough.'

'One in three women will have an abortion in her lifetime. We are a society which values freedom of speech, but also one where the vast majority of us support a woman’s access to abortion services. The right to protest needs to be balanced with the right of pregnant women to obtain advice and treatment in confidence and free from intimidation. For those who wish to campaign to restrict women’s reproductive choices, there are plenty of opportunities and locations in which to do so. The space immediately outside a clinic need not and should not not be one of them.'

'Women should feel confident that they can approach centres for advice and services without fear of intimidation, or anxious that their identity will be compromised by protesters filming outside. Establishing access zones free from anti-abortion activists around clinics would provide the reassurance and security women need. We urge all political parties to act to protect women as they make their own personal decision about their pregnancy. Women deserve nothing less.'

We know MNers tend to feel fairly strongly about abortion and that there are views on both sides of this debate - so do please let us know what you think.

Thanks

MNHQ

Very glad you're going to back this MN.

Yes. It is harassment.

Yes. This sounds like a very worthwhile campaign.

Morning all

BPAS are launching this campaign today, so here's what you can do:

visit the Back Off site and have a look at the campaign actions - there's a function there for contacting your MP; and

spread the word on social media: the hashtag is #backoff and you can find BPAS on Twitter @bpas1968.

We've given our support officially and we'll be sending some tweets from the @MumsnetTowers Twitter account.

Thanks
MNHQ

Thanks Rowan

Good and thanks for taking this on MN.

vbdFamily: The reason the Oxford students shut down the debate on abortion was NOT because of it's subject matter but rather that because the subject "That abortion culture hurts us all" was to be debated by...wait for it...two men.

The argument there was that once again men were invited to tell women what they should do with their own bodies.

I think there is great validity in Mumsnet being part of this campaign. I remember being told by a nun that any doubts I would have about pregnancy would disappear once I held my baby in my arms. This from a woman who had entirely opted out of the reproductive process. How on earth would she have known?

It's because we are mothers and know, intimately, what pregnancy, childbirth and raising children entails that our voices in support of women's right to make their own reproductive decisions without bullying or harassment has more weight.

Beautifully stated slug.

I have emailed my MP and will encourage others to do the same.

I am slightly ashamed to admit that I didn't realise this was such an issue in the UK. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. It has galvanized me, and I hope to get involved in a more tangible way.

Absolutely support this

Im pro choice and i support this 100%.

In a minority of one on this, but as a Mumsnet user I'm not usually a huge fan of campaigns which claim to throw 'Mumsnetters' behind any given issue (and not I'm certainly not a fan of protesting outside abortion clinics!). I come here for tips on how to get lime scale off the kettle or vegetables into a toddler. When I want to campaign I go elsewhere.

Done!

Yes.

Fully support this, great work MN!

Glad you have supported this.

Support the buffer completely.

Support it totally.

Brilliant idea.

I would assume that those MNers who honestly disagree with abortion on ethical grounds also disagree on ethical grounds with the harassment and distress needlessly and avoidably caused to vulnerable women. This isn't about abortion being legal or not - it's about decent standards of behaviour. Even if you don't agree, there is a time and a place, and causing serious pain to people without any benefit to anyone is not a positive in this world.

Really glad MN is thinking of doing this. Could not be more supportive.

toomanymochas so you think Mumsnet should only consist of "Top Tips" for parents?

Do you also object to the support pages, such as Relationships, Teenagers, Mental Health, SEN and so on?

Just out of interest, which site do you visit to support campaigns like this one?

Definitely no. Their right to protest against abortion is equally as important as your right to have one. Not to mention that if this happens it leads the way to severely undermining the right to protest because anyone or any organization that is the target of a protest will decide they want a buffer zone too.