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a clinic is located have felt so intimidated by the presence outside they have asked for the abortion service to be withdrawn.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

[MrsPear]

Esp. with ill formed "information" like the posters saying this is a baby at six weeks and it is a full term baby!

[happygirl87]

Yes, I support this.

[BeyondTheLimits]

Yes from me

[EvaTheOptimist]

Yes

[Iamnotanugget]

Yes.

[nicknack9510]

Yes please support this.

[PioneersAndPirateShips]

Yes. It is important that women can access the information and health care that they are entitled to and deserve without being harassed in this way.

[Teladi]

Yes, please support this. This sort of protest should not be happening in this country.

[dreamingbohemian]

Yes, absolutely. It's disgraceful women are subjected to this.

[TheSpottedZebra]

Yes.

[everyonehastheright]

100% I had to endure this when going to a clinic for a termination back in 1997. It's been going on too long. I now live elsewhere and they campaign outside our local clinic too. How bloody dare they, makes me seethe with fury.

[IControlsTheSpice]

Yes, please support this.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Yes.

[BIWI]

Yes, definitely. These are horrible tactics to employ against someone who is seeking not only important advice and support but also doing something TOTALLY LEGAL

[Didactylos]

Please support this
there are many appropriate outlets for campaign and protest if you have strong views on abortion, but harassing and judging women attending medical clinics should not be one of them

[ChutesTooNarrow]

Yes please support this.

[MagicMonday]

Yes.

[husbanddoestheironing]

Yes -support women's rights to make a legal choice (or even just to visit a clinic in which procedures are carried out) without harassment.

[5madthings]

Yes absolutely support this 100%

[LurcioAgain]

Yes, definitely support this.

Also worth pointing out that there are already restrictions on demonstrations in this country - political marches have to have police approval and an approved route before they can go ahead, there are restrictions on how close to Parliament demonstrations are allowed to go - so it's not as though a law like this would be a major new restriction on freedom of speech. The right to demonstrate is already curtailed, and there's nothing to prevent those who oppose abortion demonstrating elsewhere in a legal manner, writing letters to the press, setting up petitions and the like. This would merely prevent them from harassing vulnerable women.

[Borka]

Yes.

[DwellsUndertheSink]

Yes! My dh had to take my dsis to a clinic because her feckless boyfriend wouldn't . He was shocked, dsis was upset already and, when they came out after several hours, there were cat calls and spitting and horrible name calling. Dsis had been told she couldn't have kids, didn't know she was pg and had taken some very strong Meds that you absolutely never should take if pg. her decision to terminate was already traumatic, believing this was her one chance for a baby. the hecklers made it 10x worse.

[Got99problems]

Yes please support this.

[DoTheStrand]

Yes definitely.