UK: Why buffer zones around abortion clinics do not threaten the right to protest

Why buffer zones around abortion clinics do not threaten the right to protest
February 13, 2018
Arianne Shahvisi

Ealing council in West London could soon set up a buffer zone to limit the harassment faced by patients of a local abortion clinic. The clinic is run by the reproductive health charity Marie Stopes, one of many abortion providers across the UK regularly targeted by anti-abortion protestors. In mid-January, councillors voted to launch a public consultation about the creation of a Public Space Protection Order, or buffer zone, around the clinic.

Common forms of anti-abortion protest include public prayer, hymns, and chanting. Protesters also distribute leaflets exaggerating the risks of abortion, display posters including images of aborted foetuses, strew

continued: https://theconversation.com/why-buffer-zones-around-abortion-clinics-do-not-threaten-the-right-to-protest-90371


UK: Interested parties invited to provide information on protests outside abortion clinics

Interested parties invited to provide information on protests outside abortion clinics

Latest step in a review announced by Home Secretary Amber Rudd in November
Published 17 January 2018
From: Home Office

The Home Office is seeking views from interested parties about alleged harassment and intimidating behaviour near abortion clinics in England and Wales.

It is the latest step in the review, announced by Home Secretary Amber Rudd in November, following reports that women have experienced intimidation from protesters when visiting family planning clinics to seek information, advice and services from medical professionals.

Continued: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/interested-parties-invited-to-provide-information-on-protests-outside-abortion-clinics?mc_cid=a82b37b8ad&mc_eid=daef22644f


UK: Ealing Council nears abortion clinic ‘buffer zone’ amid harassment

Ealing Council nears abortion clinic 'buffer zone' amid harassment
A Marie Stopes clinic in London could be the UK's first to receive the cordon after MPs were told of intimidation against women.

Tuesday 16 January 2018
By Greg Heffer, Political Reporter

Pro-life campaigners could be banned from gathering outside an abortion clinic after a council neared establishing what would likely be the UK's first buffer zone.

Ealing Council agreed on Tuesday night to undertake a public consultation on a possible Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) around the Marie Stopes clinic in west London.

Continued: https://news.sky.com/story/ealing-council-nears-abortion-clinic-buffer-zone-amid-harassment-11210696


UK: MPs call for buffer zones around abortion clinics after women are told they will ‘die of cancer’ by protesters

MPs call for buffer zones around abortion clinics after women are told they will 'die of cancer' by protesters

Verity Ryan
12 December 2017

Buffer zones must be introduced around abortion clinics, MPs have said, after hearing evidence of sinister intimidation of staff and women by pro-life protestors.

Staff have been followed to their cars and called "murderers" while women having abortions have been told they will "die of cancer", a parliamentary committee was told.

Continued at source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/12/mps-call-buffer-zones-around-abortion-clinics-women-told-will/


UK: New powers to stop campaigners intimidating abortion-clinic patients considered by Government

New powers to stop campaigners intimidating abortion-clinic patients considered by Government

More than 110 MPs wrote to the Home Secretary urging her to consider ‘buffer zones’ around clinics, banning praying, silent vigils and brandishing of pictures of foetuses

Lizzy Buchan Political Correspondent
Nov 26, 2017

New powers are being considered to protect women seeking abortions from intimidation and harassment by demonstrators outside clinics, Amber Rudd has announced.

Anti-abortion campaigners have been known to confront women outside family planning facilities with pictures of foetuses and to host “abortion vigils” where they pray for people to change their minds on seeking a termination.

Continued at source: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/amber-rudd-abortion-clinics-ealing-marie-stopes-bpas-labour-rupa-huq-pro-life-a8076431.html


UK mulls tougher laws to protect women from abortion clinic protesters

UK mulls tougher laws to protect women from abortion clinic protesters
Home secretary considers bolstering police and civil powers amid concern about tactics used by some demonstrators outside clinics

Sunday 26 November 2017

New laws could be introduced to protect women from being harassed and intimidated at abortion clinics, the Home Office has said.

The home secretary, Amber Rudd, has ordered an in-depth assessment of protests outside family planning clinics following concerns about the tactics used by some demonstrators.

The review aims to gather evidence from police forces, healthcare providers and local authorities before considering what action can be taken to protect those using or working in abortion clinics.

Continued at source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/26/abortion-clinics-uk-mulls-tougher-laws-to-protect-women


UK: Jeremy Corbyn backs call for abortion clinic buffer zones

Jeremy Corbyn backs call for abortion clinic buffer zones

Labour leader is among 113 MPs who signed letter to home secretary calling for action to protect women from anti-abortion protesters

Jessica Elgot Political reporter
Thursday 26 October 2017

The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has backed calls for clinics to have a buffer zone to protect women from persistent anti-abortion protesters, in a letter from 113 MPs from parties across the House of Commons.

The letter to the home secretary, Amber Rudd, which is also signed by the Liberal Democrat leader, Vince Cable, the Green party co-leader, Caroline Lucas, and the SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, says women “face daily abuse when undergoing terminations”.

Continued at source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/26/jeremy-corbyn-backs-call-for-abortion-clinic-buffer-zones