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a clinic is located have felt so intimidated by the presence outside they have asked for the abortion service to be withdrawn.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

Yes, please support this. Whilst I am pro-choice, we live in a democracy and anyone who is pro life has the right to be heard. But there is a time and a place to lobby and campaign; outside an abortion clinic is just disgusting and a gross invasion of privacy. Not to mention the mental damage they may be causing to vulnerable women.

Sorry, I know this is rather late but I hope MN works with other partners to put pressure on legislators to do something about it.

Well done to the woman in the video. It's irrelevant really if the camera is on or off - the women going into the clinic don't know which it is. It's designed to intimidate.

I have a good friend who has very minor disabilities. She once told me that if she knew she was having a baby with the same disabilities as herself, she would have an abortion, because why bring a child into the world to suffer if you can have a healthy child. I appreciate there are many people with far more crippling problems than hers who love every minute of their life. But it's more likely that her child would agree with her than a stranger. Yes, you can't ask the child what it wants, but who are you to be so sure that the child would choose life when you aren't even it's mummy?

Absolutely this must be supported.

Yes, absolutely 100 percent support from me

Yes.

It's awful that this is even an issue, but yes, it absolutely should be supported.

Yes, yes and yes.

Yes, please

In the 'olden days' they'd've been missionaries, imposing their views on the 'ignorant' natives. I suppose that there's a part of them which still sees it like that.

Yes MN should support this.

Yes, I would absolutely support this!

fridge, I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this, but you made exactly the right choice. Puerperal psychosis is awful for everyone concerned. No one has the right to make you, or any other woman who chooses this feel guilty or to harass them in the street.

Hello

Just to recap (long thread!) - we are signed up and supporting.

Thought you might be interested to know that Yvette Cooper (Labour shadow Home Secretary) has given support too.

And a fuller update from BPAS:

'Quick update: Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has now called on the government to consider introducing buffer zones, which is great news.'

'Yvette Cooper says: "Women need to be able to attend sensitive health care appointments – including abortion services – without facing intimidation and harassment. And health care workers need to be able to do their jobs without intimidation too. We don’t want the kind of harassment and abuse that we’ve seen in the US imported into Britain."'

'This has got a fair bit of media coverage - including this from Channel 4 news, which includes an interview with a woman who recently experienced protesters at a Marie Stopes clinic, and this from the Telegraph.'

'We're looking forward to the government's response.'

'Thanks again for all your support and let's keep up the pressure ?to protect women needing abortion care.'

Yes I am 100% behind this

Buffy

And what did he reply to that?!

My MP Dave Anderson is now supporting this so thanks for the template letter that was linked to.

Knowing who your MP is Buffy, that is one of the least surprising things I've heard today.

Fridge, I wholeheartedly agree, I'm really sorry if my post seemed to imply that I didn't. AFAIC, every child should be a wanted child. Whatever reason a woman has for terminating her pregnancy, no one has the right to harass her for that choice.