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a clinic is located have felt so intimidated by the presence outside they have asked for the abortion service to be withdrawn.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

Note to self: When catching up on 'threads I'm on' - read the WHOLE fucking thread before wasting time replying to a seemingly innocent Q.

MNHQ Perleassee tell me the two goadmeisters HAVE been banned? As posts were so so far WAY beyond simply posting own 'views' or simply being 'challenging'...

Yes, I think the campaign is a very sensible idea.

Munning, there is definitely an element of 'ignorance is bliss' about replying purely to the OP- I certainly enjoyed it . I may make it my policy of the day.

I agree. Women who need to access these services for whatever reason shouldn't be made to feel as if they are doing something illegal or illicit. Would support this 100%

Yes, support the campaign.

What a shame that such a campaign is even needed.

Totally support this. It's just harrassment.

yippee this is an excellent point:

Women who need to access these services for whatever reason shouldn't be made to feel as if they are doing something illegal or illicit.

Agree with the campaign completely.

Totally support this. Also, those who don't agree shouldn't protest outside an abortion clinic but should write to their MP and protest in Westminster. These clinics are operating within the law so if they don't agree they should raise their objections with those with the power to change the law.

FWIW I totally agree with women having the right to choose and think the current UK abortion laws are sensible. While I might not choose to have an abortion it is my right to make that decision and no woman should be forced to continue with a pregnancy that is unwanted.

Absolutely - though to be practical locating the clinic inside a multifunctional building like a hospital surely prevents this sort of thing? Anything confrontational gives them the publicity they crave...

I am Catholic and would not choose to have an abortion myself, but quite frankly, what other people do with their bodies is up to them. I believe that it is NOT my place to judge others and that it is my responsibility to support them and love them whatever they choose.

It sickens me to think that fellow Christians find it acceptable to harrass and humiliate people on what is quite probably one of the worst days of their life. Where is the love thy neighbour in that?!

So YES, please support this.

I fully support this. I am pro-choice.

It is basically bullying and humiliating women at a time when they need as much support as they can get.

I personally feel I would not have an abortion (but would support anyone that made that decision). If I was raped, if my baby was severely disabled and had no quality of life, or any of the other possible reasons... maybe my views on whether I would have one myself would change. Maybe I would need the support of these clinics. It would not be a decision I would have taken lightly and I certainly would not need to be harassed and bullied by people who do not know or care why I might be there.

Whilst everyone is entitled to their own opinions and have rights to protest, I believe we are all entitled to feel safe, to be able to seek advice and professional help.

This is a campaign that should be widely supported IMO.

I would support the campaign. Regardless if anyone's own personal religious or moral opinions these should not be imposed on anyone who is attending an abortion clinic. Many women are already in a vulnerable emotional state and do not need this additional pressure.

Yes this should be supported. BPAS gave me great support last year, which in my case led me to keep my third child. They discussed what it would mean for me, how I thought I might feel and got me to slow my decision down to allow for more thinking time.

There were people outside protesting then, and although I ignored them, they made me angry. How dare they try to prevent women accessing this invaluable help.

I am pro choice, and have had a termination. Now, in a stable relationship, I really never expected to be in that situation ever again. My baby is with me now, and I would not change it for the world.

Women are very vulnerable when they access this help, I believe in free speech but also the freedom to do what is best for you and your wider family.

Yes I would support this 100%

I can see no valid argument against it

Agree with this 100%

YES please support this.

100% yes. I'm delighted to see the weight of MN behind this.

Support this please. Regardless of your views on abortion women should have the right to go about their business without being attacked in the street about something they may or may not do.

I don't agree with the protests outside the clinics and it should be stopped, but people are talking about abortion like its the same thing as taking antibiotics for a infection. I don't think women who go into the clinics are given enough information about what will happen to their baby and how it will be killed (yes I used the word 'killed'). Everyone talks about the baby as an object not a human life. I have one child and if I was to ever fall pregnant again abortion would not even be an option. I think women AND men need to start learning the truth about what really happens and stop bubble wrapping their emotions to try and make them feel better about abortion. Although I do not believe in humiliating people walking in to the clinics and exposing them as I know that it is a very hard time in their life.

Yes, please support this

Please support this. Noone should be subjected to this kind of abuse in the street. Having to endure those heckles whilst carrying out a decision that may be difficult and traumatic just makes everything worse.

I don't think anyone bubble wraps anything, and everyone is aware that what happens after an abortion is a dead foetus. What no one, male or female needs is pictures, heavily photoshopped and largely discredited photos, of dead 'babies', ever but most especially when women are trying to access a medical service to which they have rights.

There is no shame in abortion and no one needs to feel bad about it. However, posts like yours and protests like theirs could easily shame a woman who has had or may be considering an abortion.

I'm really glad that you wouldn't choose abortion, other women do, and their decisions should be respected.

Fairly interesting article from the Torygraph

Yes, definitely.