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a clinic is located have felt so intimidated by the presence outside they have asked for the abortion service to be withdrawn.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

[Barkingugly]

I have never been able to have children and will not in the future. I fully support this. Leave thesis women alone.

[PlentyOfPubeGardens]

Yes please.

[MrsHathaway]

Lurcio - you sound like you know what you're talking about and I come from a position of ignorance, so I hope you'll forgive some genuine questions.

How could this new legislation make a change without setting precedent?

I'm also struck by the idea that a group could set up shop exactly on the boundary permitted, and what difference would that really make to eg staff needing police escort, or women having their photos taken?

Inside those people's heads, they have a duty to try to prevent any tx for any reason. Making a crime out of a matter of conscience makes me twitchy (even though I think they're utterly wrong) and threatening behaviour or speech ought already to covered by existing laws.

[MsIngaFewmarbles]

I 100% support this.

[whatkatiedidnext31]

I totally support this.

I had a termination as a 19year old and will never ever forget it, and still carry around some guilt regarding this...to think there would have been 'protesters' outside the clinic I attended would have been horrific for me at that time.

[TinTinsSexySister]

Yes. Absolutely support this.

[confusedandemployed]

Absolutely I support this. As if women in the position of considering termination are not going through enough, to be faced with this sort of demonstration must be doubly devastating. And I speak as a woman who has had a termination.

[StillProcrastinating]

Absolutely!

[flippinada]

Yes, I would be 100% behind this.

[dontknowwhatthisis]

Yes, please, HQ, please do support this.

[caramelgirl]

Yes, please support this. I think that women's reproductive rights are a neglected and politically sensitive area and genuinely worry about them being chipped away. Abusing vulnerable individuals who are dealing with a big decision is not on.

[SetPhasersTaeMalkie]

An absolute yes from me.

[Trills]

Yes.

[PunkrockerGirl]

Yes, definitely.

[DragonsDontFly]

Yes 100%

[Bicnod]

Yes, I 100% support this.

[TheCowThatLaughs]

Yes definitely support this!

[goingloombandcrazy]

Yes I fully support

[ItsNotUnusualToBe]

100% yes. Agree re ASBO the bastards.

[EduCated]

Yes, fully support.

[MadeinBelfast]

Yes, please support this.