Pro-choice campaigners had called for a total ban on silent prayer within the zones, arguing a woman using a clinic can feel intimidated by the presence of someone standing in the area praying, even if they are not speaking, but it has now emerged that instances will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
The decision has led to claims that the measures have been “watered down” and the lack of a total ban on silent prayers “defeats the point” of the buffer zones.
“Women and people accessing abortion need to be able to access it privately, in a confidential way, and not face intimidation while they access care,” Dr Sonia Adesara, of campaign group Doctors for Choice UK, told The Independent. “It is not fair and there are no other parts of healthcare where people endure this.” Dr Adesara, a GP in London, said allowing silent prayer in the buffer zones is not fair for those accessing abortion services or staff working at the clinics. She added: “If they want to do prayers then they shouldn’t do that in buffer zones. The whole point of the buffer zone is to have privacy for those accessing care. It defeats the point if silent prayer is allowed.”
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 31, 2024 من The Independent.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 31, 2024 من The Independent.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
The Extremism Of Trump's Pick For Intelligence Chief
Tulsi Gabbard made the journey from anti-war Democrat to Moscow-friendly Maga warrior. Rich Hall looks at how
Will Labour Party Mps Get Behind Pm's Welfare Blitz?
Labour's blitz on benefits comes with some eye-catching language from the prime minister, announced in The Mail on Sunday. He has warned of Britain's "bulging benefits bill blighting our society" as he vows to cut the £137bn cost.
England hammer Japan to end vexing autumn on high
After a November of frets and frustration came a chance for fun and frolics for England.
Verstappen pulls up next to F1 elite with his fourth title
Dutch driver seals championship under lights of Las Vegas
Treasure's chest! Salah stars for Reds in comeback win
Liverpool moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League yesterday as Mohamed Salah scored twice to help them come from behind to beat Southampton 3-2 at St Mary’s.
Amorim kicks-off United role with lacklustre draw
Ruben Amorim can at least remind himself that Manchester United’s best managers have had worse starts.
Have I got time to get a new passport for trip to Europe?
Q My passport expires in July 2025. Is the Passport Office doing renewals quickly these days? If not, when is the best time? I intend to go to Europe before March.
Far-right populist leads in Romanian presidential vote
A far-right populist took the lead in Romania's presidential election yesterday and will probably face leftist prime minister Marcel Ciolacu in a runoff in two weeks, an outcome that rocked the country's political landscape.
Three held after prominent Israeli rabbi killed in Dubai
Emirati police question men as Iran denies any involvement
Lab test monkeys are flown to UK 'injured and terrified'
Monkeys flown into the UK for laboratory testing were so badly injured that their crates were smeared with blood, photographs suggest.