Abortion rights campaigners have welcomed news that clinics will be protected by "buffer zones" from angry protesters who pressurise and in some cases even abuse those visiting abortion clinics.
Amid a week of political chaos, MPs voted through an amendment to the 2022 Public Order Bill on Tuesday. This means that, subject to political scrutiny and passing in the House of Lords, the zones should become law in mid 2023.
None of those to vote against the measures were North East MPs. The amendment passed 295-110.
In our region there are NHS -funded abortion clinics in Newcastle city centre and in South Shields. The Women's Street Watch Newcastle - which organised an abortion rights protest at Grey's Monument in July - is among the groups to have welcomed the news.
In a statement on behalf of the group, Sarah Gate said: "Adding buffer zones is a step in the right direction, and something we are certainly pleased to see given the huge step back that was taken in the USA when Roe vs. Wade was overturned.
"Women worldwide were extremely concerned at that decision, which is why we came out in Newcastle to demonstrate our anger. Abortions are a personal decision and should be accessible to everyone, and this is a step in the right direction toward making having an abortion a totally normal, non-shameful thing."
She added that this would be "a step towards" more people feeling safe and comfortable to access an abortion, but said the success of the zones would depend on enforcement. She said: "I'm not sure if this will deter picketers, so I suppose we'll see in time what happens to those who break the new rules. People are only going to be deterred if they see repercussions for their actions."
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) - the biggest NHS abortion provider in the UK - has also welcomed the news. BPAS runs the clinics in Newcastle and South Shields said it would hopefully have a real impact on those using abortion services in our region.
A spokesperson for the charity said: "BPAS Newcastle, which is a five minute walk from Eldon Square, experiences regular protest activity from a group called 'Helpers of God’s Precious Infants.' Last week, there were seven protesters outside the clinic praying with rosary beads.
"While the protests at Newcastle are not as aggressive as the groups we see at other sites, it can still be very upsetting for women attending the clinic. They want to be able to access healthcare with privacy and dignity, not feel judged and watched by a group of strangers who know nothing about their situation and their lives."
Earlier, Clare Murphy, BPAS chief executive, said: "At BPAS, we have been working tirelessly for almost a decade to end anti-abortion clinic harassment. Every year, around 100,000 women are treated by a clinic or hospital for an abortion that is targeted by anti-abortion protests.
"These groups attempt to deter or prevent women from accessing abortion care by displaying graphic images of foetuses, calling women 'murderers', and hanging baby clothing around clinic entrances, causing women significant distress. [The] vote will bring an end to this activity."
The amendment as it now stands means the bill the bill would ban influencing, impeding or threatening, intimidating or harassing, advising or persuading, using graphic, physical, verbal or written means to inform attendees about abortion services.
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