Plans to create buffer zones around abortion clinics where protesters have previously lingered are set to become law.
Tonight the new bill passed the final parliamentary hurdle, with MPs rejecting a final attempt by anti-choice members to hollow out the legislation. MPs voted 299 against and 116 for the amendment, which would have left women exposed to harassment at abortion clinic gates.
Buffer zones are now set to become law, with protesters having to stand at least 150 meters away from clinics providing abortions or risk a fine and up to six months in prison if they're found harassing, obstructing, or interfering with any woman attending. These new zones apply to every clinic and hospital providing abortion care in England and Wales.
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The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) hailed tonight's (Tuesday, March 7) vote as a "huge victory" for campaigners, who have worked as part of the BPAS-led Back Off coalition for nearly a decade to put an end to this kind of harassment. The new law was supported by a range of respected organisations including the Royal College of Midwives, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of General Practitioners, Women’s Aid, Rape Crisis England & Wales, Karma Nirvana, and the Fawcett Society.
It was championed in parliament by a cross-party coalition including Stella Creasy MP, Victoria Atkins MP, Baroness Sugg, Bernard Jenkin MP, Baroness Barker, Lord Hogan-Howe and Rupa Huq MP.
Rachael Clarke, Chief of Staff at BPAS, said: “We are delighted with the result in Parliament this evening, which will have a huge impact on the thousands of women who come to us every year for healthcare and who are subjected to the most unacceptable harassment at a time they should feel safe. Since 2014, we have seen a spread of this type of harassment across the country.
"The groups learn their methods from the US, and despite being told repeatedly about the impact on women, have refused to do anything about it. It is unfortunate that we have had to seek new law to address what should be a matter of basic human decency – but let it be a lesson that we will not allow the women who need us to become a hostage of groups who want to remove their rights.
"As part of our work, BPAS has maintained a database of 3000 accounts from women and their friends and family reporting on harassment outside abortion clinics. We look forward to a time in the near future when there are no more of these experiences to add to the list.”
Protesters were able to stand on a public footpath next to the only entrance to Liverpool's BPAS clinic, which lies on Parkfield Road in Aigburth, due to no laws being in place to stop them. But under new laws set to come into place protesters will now have to stand halfway down the road, and not directly outside the entrance.
Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside previously spoke of how vital the new buffer zones will be for women in the city, and those travelling from Northern Ireland.
Ms Johnson said: "Alongside many women in Liverpool, every year our great city also hosts hundreds of women from Northern Ireland who are seeking abortions – having already overcome huge stigma, legal barriers and costs. The long fight to prevent these women and the staff who service them from being harassed, abused, obstructed and intimidated towards the end of their journey has finally been won.
"While the battle against the roll back of women’s right to autonomy over our own bodies is still ongoing – with spotlights at the moment particularly on France, Iran and the USA - this is a major victory for campaign groups such as Sister Supporter and for women every where's right to choose."
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