Plans for buffer zones surrounding abortion clinics and hospitals where protesters harass and abuse people are vital for women travelling from Northern Ireland.
Liverpool's BPAS clinic, which lies on Parkfield Road in Aigburth, is the only option for hundreds of women from Northern Ireland who seek a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental abortion. Terminations were illegal in Northern Ireland until a change in legislation was implemented 2020.
Abortions are now available up to 12 weeks in the country, but women who wish to terminate their pregnancy after this date face a long journey to their closest clinic, Liverpool.
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For several years Liverpool Council received “numerous reports” from residents, individuals, organisations and elected members about anti-social behaviour from protesters “expressing disapproval of people accessing abortion services". According to reports, protestors have harassed patients by branding them murderers, handing out plastic foetuses and impeding those attempting to enter the clinic and surrounding cars.
Protesters were able to stand on a public footpath next to the only entrance to Liverpool's BPAS clinic, due to no laws being in place to stop them. But under a new bill voted in by MP's on Tuesday, protesters will now have to stand at least 150 meters away from clinics or risk a fine and up to six months in prison if they're found harassing, obstructing, or interfering with any woman attending.
For Livepool's BPAS clinic, this will mean protesters will now have to stand halfway down the road, and not directly outside the entrance. Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside spoke of how vital the new buffer zones will be for women in the city, and those travelling from Northern Ireland.
Ms Johnson said: "Yesterday I was proud to vote to introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics and hospitals. 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."
Commenting on the vote, Clare Murphy, Chief Executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) the UK’s leading abortion care provider, said: “We are delighted that today MPs have voted to protect women, protect healthcare staff, and establish buffer zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales. 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.
"Today’s vote will bring an end to this activity. This was truly a cross-party amendment, with support from across the House.
"We thank all those who have campaigned alongside us, and all those MPs who voted in favour today."
A total of 16 Merseyside MP's voted for the bill to pass, with Damien Moore, Conservative MP for Southport voting against the buffer zones.
Conor McGinn, MP for St Helen's North and Ms Marie Rimmer, Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston did not vote on the bill and Dame Angela Eagle, Labour MP for Wallasey did not vote due to other obligations, but was "pleased to see it pass".
A spokesperson for Dame Angela said: "Angela was paired for all of today’s votes due to other obligations, so did not vote on the amendment. However, she is supportive of the amendment and the introduction of buffer zones around abortion clinics so was pleased to see it pass earlier!"
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