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a clinic is located have felt so intimidated by the presence outside they have asked for the abortion service to be withdrawn.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

[JulesJules]

Yes of course

[cheminotte]

Yes absolutely.

[squizita]

Yes.
In addition to traumatising women at a very tough time, clinics do a range of things. I know of someone who was having a miscarriage surgically removed being hassled by these people.

[me58]

Just saying - if abortion was as easy to get as some folks would like to make it, my daughter wouldn't be here today. Counselling should be compulsory and my counsellor was brilliant, making me see that NOT going ahead (with a termination) really was the only option for me after all, but all I saw was problems. Too many see it as an easy option. Why does no-one ever mention the rights of the child, who didn't ask to be conceived, but who has no voice?

(Sits back and waits for backlash....)

[GatoradeMeBitch]

Really? No one EVER mentions the rights of the foetus?

For what it's worth, I wish my Mum had had me aborted. Not that pro-lifers would be at all interested in that statement because I am actually born, and most of them only seem to care up to the point where someone is born. But Mum had five pregnancies, when she was barely able to care for herself. I wouldn't wish my siblings away, but if I had had a voice from conception my vote would have been for abortion. Having us ruined my mothers life. Not that she or anyone else ever said that, but it's the truth, and it's not a nice reality to live with. I would rather have been gone while I'd have been oblivious to it.

[LazyRohazy]

Yes, absolutely, please support this campaign. Women going through terminations need to be able to do so without fear of abuse, harassment, or intimidation. I have also signed the original petition about this and shared it online.