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a clinic is located have felt so intimidated by the presence outside they have asked for the abortion service to be withdrawn.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

Fully support. It is no one elses business to try and harrass and stop a woman going about her legal right. As for taking pictures and putting them on the internet? Just why? Why do we have patient confidentiality if drs cant share then why is it deemed ok for some random stranger in the street to let the world know half a story? Just because some dont agree with it, does not make it their right to harrass and ridicule. And if that lady hadnt told family and suddenly found herself outed online, then what would that acheive?
The way I see it, it is your body and your life. Only you can decide what is best for you.

Yes

I can't remember who first said this but I totally agree Every child should be a wanted child

The poor women who abandon and kill their newborns are probably the women who've been frightened off going for help, by these vile irreligious people.

There have been 2 in the news only today and yesterday, it's disgraceful.

Yes! Please support this, it is such an important issue and no person should be intimidated or bullied when having to go through something as difficult as this.

Yup, I too think MN should support the call for a buffer zone. Harrassing women seeking a medical procedure is completely unacceptable, and goodness knows the anti-choice activists don't respect the rules that they have now.

YES. I used to work at a clinic and frequently had to calm the poor clients who had been subjected to campaigners. It is harassment, and is unacceptable.

This campaign needs our full support. The protests outside abortion clinics add distress to an already stressful event in a woman's life. No woman makes that decision lightly.

Hello

We'll see if we can get an update for you from BPAS about how the campaign is going, but meanwhile we thought you might enjoy this video of a rather brilliant woman outlining why she personally thinks protestors outside clinics should #backoff

And here's an update from BPAS:

'Hi everyone and many thanks for your support, which has been simply invaluable. We wanted to give you an update on where we are with the campaign.'

'Hundreds of people have now written to their MP and the responses which have been shared with us so far indicate there are DEFINITELY politicians who want to do something. If you haven't yet and would like to please do visit our campaign site when you can contact your MP back-off.org/get-involved/'

'We have written again to the Home Office. Sadly we didn't receive a reply to our first letter on this back in October, but we have written to the new Home Office minister with responsibility for women's safety, Lynne Featherstone – and we suggested she should read this very thread to get a sense of the strength of feeling on this! We've literally just this morning received a message from the Home Office to say they will be responding. We will let you know what they say.'

'We're also in touch with the office of the shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who is very concerned about the situation.'

'Just yesterday we were told by staff that a woman had been left traumatised after being confronted by 5 activists bearing graphic images as she got out of a taxi coming to one of our centres. She said the experience of being accosted by these people was far worse than the abortion itself and it left her scared to leave the clinic. This is exactly what we need to stop.'

'Thanks again – we will keep you posted'

yay let's hope they do read.

and well done that woman in the video.

can you believe the size of the horrific image they'd stuck up on a wall? and why the fuck should women be harassed by some man with a camera round his neck filming them whilst getting a legal medical procedure? what the hell is he doing there?

and scared to leave a clinic due to harassment awaiting you when you've just had a GA and are not considered to be even fit to drive or travel home alone is beyond unacceptable. what kind of human being wants to do that to someone?

What a brave and articulate woman on that video thanks for that Rowan it was eye opening.

peaceful protests my arse. And filming women and putting it on the internet. A blatent invasion of privacy. What if the woman comes from a religious family (Catholic for instance) and is at risk of emotional or even physical abuse if her family find out Or in extreme cases even death. Sock i saw what you posted upthread Its heartbreaking. How can these Pro LIFERS live with themselves.

Interestingly i was up against a couple of them when i did a couple of tv chat shows 15/16 years ago. Cant say any more because that because it would out me. I was on there as a woman who does not want children. And wished to be sterilised. I still feel the same as i have done for the last twenty years.
The pro lifers i came across are against this too. EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO FEOTUS INVOLVED. (im very pro choice. I would like to make it clear at this point) The fact that they are also against women like me and others who simply dont want children is basically hatred of women. On these shows i was told there was plenty of contraception choices and i should take those.
Just this week i found an article on the very high failure rates of contraception after women have been taking them for ten years. I will link it in here.

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/09/14/sunday-review/unplanned-pregnancies.html?_r=1

Yes it should 100% be supported.

It's time something was done about this. 100% support this.

Yes, I feel very strongly that the bullies should be stopped, and absolutely support this.

Another full supporter here.

Am a bit late but totally support.

Coming to this very late, but yes, please support this, MNHQ

DarkestEyes That is quite incredible !!!! IMO those 'Prolifers' are against ANY choice, it's crazy.

Yes please support this, every women's right to make her own Decisions.

Yes absolutely. No-one has the right to judge what another woman does with her body, especially something as emotive as this.

Yes I support any campaign that protects the right to choice.