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a clinic is located have felt so intimidated by the presence outside they have asked for the abortion service to be withdrawn.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

[ravenAK]

Yes. Absolutely 100%.

[HerrenaHarridan]

You horrible lot. I've been teetering in the brink of giving up mn due to some recent threads.

I do actually love you all.

Hq, please support this in my name.

[Beachcomber]

Yes. Please support this in every way you can.

[MassaAttack]

Yes.

[TeaandHobnobs]

Yes, please support this

[phonyics]

Yes, absolutely.

[MrsHathaway]

I find the comparisons with other kinds of protest interesting - is it law that you must notify the police of your route (etc) or is it agreed best practice?

I think the kind of protest described in the OP is horrific, but I'm slightly cautious about setting a precedent. Animal rights campaigners protest outside labs and outside eg Boots, and we would surely defend someone's right to protest outside or indeed inside a business that was discriminating inappropriately.

I think it's a campaign consistent with Mumsnet's ethos, and I think nobody should be campaigning directly outside pregnancy advice centres. But I don't understand the wider implications.

[StillLifewithGin]

100 times YES!

And livelablove - you are a great example of someone who can see both sides of a debate

[RabbitIssue]

Yes completely support

[chemenger]

Yes, absolutely.

[minsmum]

Please support this

[Mobilette]

Yes, I support this. But I'm wondering how, and if, it'll be enforced. Just done a quick google on this issue, and the trend in the US seems to be that it's difficult to enforce against 'free speech' claims. I was also surprised at how short the buffer is - e.g. 50 metres from a clinic. I'd be interested to know more about the legal arguments or precedence for this type of ruling in the UK.

[minkymuskyslyoldstoaty]

yes. having witnessed this abuse personally, in a very traumatic time I cannot tell you how exposed I felt.

noone knows why you might be there.

[MoominKoalaAndMiniMoom]

I support this 100%. Please, please support this MN. I've been on a few threads on this issue on MN and it's refreshing to see that with only a few exceptions, MN seems to be hugely against these ignorant, offensive protesters.

[BoreOfWhabylon]

Yes, please support this MNHQ.

[bananaramadramallama]

Yes, I support this completely.

[HairyPotter]

Yes, please support this

[PetraArkanian]

I completely support this - I had to walk past them myself and it was horrible.

[Gunpowder]

Yes, I absolutely support this.

[BathshebaDarkstone]

Yes. In an individual case there may be extenuating circumstances, why should vulnerable women be harassed?

[Nerf]

Yes
Public protest, private choice

[ReadyToBreak]

Yes! I would support this 100%!