A community group in Manchester says buffer zones around abortion clinics which came into force last week are “a step in the right direction” for women’s rights.
As of the 31st October 2024 it is now illegal to protest outside of abortion clinics within a 150-metre radius, and campaigners welcomed the changes.
Co-Director of Greater Manchester Doulas CIC, Amy Fairbrother said: “Every woman deserves access to an abortion if that is what she chooses or needs, and she should be able to do so free from judgement, abuse and coercion.
“Having buffer zones is a step in the right direction, but the very fact that they are needed shines a light on the misogyny at play in our communities, and in the wider world where women’s rights to bodily autonomy are constantly at risk.
“Seeking an abortion is not a choice women make lightly; even when they are certain it is what they want or need, it is usually a complex decision.”
Covered under section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023, anyone who attempts to intentionally or recklessly influence someone’s decision to use abortion services, obstruct them, or cause harassment or distress to anyone using or working in abortion clinics – will face an unlimited fine.
CEO of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), Heidi Stewart said: “This is a huge day for women.
“For too long women have been harassed, intimidated, and abused going in to seek essential healthcare.
“They’ve been called murderers, they’ve had pamphlets shoved at them falsely claiming abortion causes breast cancer.
“And our staff are being threatened, abused and followed to their cars simply for doing their jobs.”
Silent prayer within these protection zones will not automatically be banned – but will be handled on a case-by-case basis, where police and prosecutors will assess the intent or recklessness of the person involved.
Pro-life groups have argued that a ban on silent prayer would threaten their right to freedom of expression and religious belief.
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson said: “Hundreds of women have received practical support from pro-life volunteers outside abortion clinics over the years, support that provided a real alternative to abortion.”
However, in 2022, government official statistics showed 15,826 women accessed NHS abortions in Greater Manchester alone – highlighting the importance of this legislation in protecting a woman’s choice to have an abortion.
Comparable measures known as public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) have been in place outside of some clinics since 2018, however, campaigners argued for national legislation as the effectiveness of PSPOs were limited due to it depending on local council’s willingness to implement them.
Official figures from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) showed there were 251,377 abortions across England and Wales in 2022, which is the highest figure since the Abortion Act was introduced in 1967.
Feature image: Photo by Brett Sayles: https://www.pexels.com/photo/grayscale-photo-of-woman-in-front-of-pacard-12639446/
