A Leeds abortion clinic is celebrating a new amendment that could stop protesters from 'harassing' clients and staff as they head into the clinic.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin visited MSI Reproductive Choices in Leeds to express her support for the service. Abortion clinics across the UK have seen a rise in anti-abortion protests since the appeal of Roe v Wade in the United States.
Louise McCudden, Advocacy and Public Affairs Advisor for MSI, told LeedsLive: "We have had a persistent presence outside the clinic in Leeds."
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She added: "It can really grind people down with that constant presence. You feel constantly judged. Team members say it wears them down and makes them feel judged. They shouldn't have to put up with it.
"It can make people feel very unsafe. It has been particularly bad in Leeds at times. We've got a lot of testimonies from our clients that they feel judged and that someone is trying to make them feel guilty.
"If someone has experienced sexual violence that can be so distressing for them. Some people may feel like they're being violated all over again."
MSI said they've had lots of support from Leeds City Council, but there's "only so much they can do". Pro-choice activists from Sister Supporter often also attend outside the building to counter the anti-abortion protesters and support clients.
The House of Commons voted in favour of an amendment to the Public Order Bill on Tuesday, October 18, that would create buffer zones to protect abortion clinic from protesters. The amendment has currently passed its second reading in the House of Lords, and it is hoped it will be passed into law.
The team at Leeds MSI discussed the importance of abortion, contraception access and misinformation with the mayor. They also discussed how it fits into Tracy Brabin's work to tackle violence against women and girls.
Tracy Brabin said: “It is appalling that women are being intimidated on their way into an abortion clinic in West Yorkshire in 2022, and I pay tribute to the staff who support them.
“Everybody should have the right to protest, but when this becomes bullying and intimidation it must be called out.
“Women and men should be able to access the medical advice and services they need without fear or judgement from a tiny minority with extreme views.”
Louise added: "Anti-choice activity outside our clinics is getting worse. No one should have to face harassment when accessing a healthcare service.
“We really appreciated the Mayor taking the time to visit our clinic and speak with our team members about abortion care.”
Anti-abortion protesters outside the clinic have previously told LeedsLive they were protesting outside MSI as part of their '40 Days For Life' campaign. They go down on their knees to 'pray for a change of heart' from clients and told LeedsLive they were protesting because they believe in God and it was a 'righteous cause.'
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