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a clinic is located have felt so intimidated by the presence outside they have asked for the abortion service to be withdrawn.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

I support this 100%.

These people are not true Christians, Jesus would be disgusted by their behaviour, he would show love and compassion. They do not care about lives, once the children are here they don't give a shit. It is nothing but misogyny, the woman should have kept her legs shut etc etc, no mention of the men's involvement. It is only a step away from the vile societies that stigmatise little girls who are raped as prostitutes and damaged goods while only giving the evil rapists a slap on the wrist.

I wholly support freedom of speech, they are welcome to protest but not in such a way that undermines another from exercising their most fundamental human right, the right of bodily autonomy.

Yes yes and a million times yes. In fact I'd be horrified if you didn't support it.

Yes.

Yes of course.

Yes.

Yes yes yes

Yes please support

I have seen people standing with signs outside the Marie stopes in Central London and handing out "information" leaflets that are completely medically incorrect and horrible. They need to back off

I 100% support this. These are vile bullies who make what is already an impossible decision even more horrendous for the women concerned.

Those few people taunting me as I walked into the clinic all those years ago haunt me and I will never ever forget them - what they do and say to people is NOT Christian, it is just downright nasty.

I don't understand the law in this area and like a few other posters am cautious about creating a new situation-specific regulation. I don't understand why the existing law doesn't protect people needing a medical service and would want contributions from a lawyer and the police before signing up to a campaign. I'd be a lot happier with an 'Enforce the Law' campaign based on existing legislation, if there is any, though presumably the protestors are careful to stay just one side of a legal line?

Excellent points by posters already about the difference between legitimate protest and harassment. I am not sure in a democratic country we should be aiming to stop anyone standing with a placard. What we should be aiming to stop is what people are describing here like shouting, spitting, name calling, actions which amount to abuse and would not normally be legal. Question: why are protestors not prosecuted for harassment? It is also illegal to take photos of someone without letting them know you are doing it, you certainly cannot publish identifiable photos without consent. So, there must be provision within the law to take action against hostile protestors, so lack of action suggests police are complicit?
Putting in a buffer zone does not address the question of harassment and anti-social behaviour; it simply moves the problem down the street. Now, it may be that protestors then give up because they can't harass individual women, which would be a good result, but still doesn't address the question of why the law is not currently being used to stop that harassment.
FWIW, I think it is legitimate for peaceful protest to be allowed and leaflets about support to continue the pregnancy to be available; but not harrassment, verbal abuse and such leaflets being thrust upon individuals.

Absolutely. I am appalled by the idea that vulnerable women should be subject to harassment when seeking legal medical treatment

Yes, I think you should support this; it is sad that it is needed.

Yes!

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Women accessing legal medical services should be protected from vigilantes.

In terms of balancing a right to protest: the placarders can protest outside government buildings, or the gmc head quarters, or other places.

Please please support this.

Yes, I support this 100%. I frequently walk past a local clinic and the protesters there make me sick, their behaviour is abominable.

Yes! Please support this. Forced birth and anti choice campaigners can legitimately demonstrate outside Parliament without causing great distress to the women they purport to want to 'help'.

I am a supporter of the right to legal public demonstration and protest, I've been to a fair few protest marches over the years, however, the last thing these people are doing is protesting. They intimidate, harass and threaten women, some of whom are very vulnerable, who are merely trying to access a medical procedure, as is their right.

A good solid buffer zone isn't curtailing the right to freedom of speech or association, we gave that up with the Criminal Justice Act what it will do is protect women from violence and harassment from people who really don't give a hoot about the women they are trolling.

Yes absolutely, please do.
There is a place for people who wish to debate the rights and wrongs of abortion but outside a clinic is not that place.

Yes I would absolutely support this.

Yes.

Just adding another voice of support

Yes, please support this. It is such a shame that it is needed. Agree with previous posters that this is also to protect the staff at the clinics. It would be terrible if services were withdrawn because of harassment and intimidation.