Abortion clinic protest ban watered down, activists say

Campaigners have hit out at the decision not to automatically ban silent prayer outside abortion clinics when new buffer zones are implemented today. Under the new measures, it will now be illegal to influence, harass or provoke those using or delivering abortion services within a 150-metre radius of the abortion provider. Those who infringe the new rules can be hit with an unlimited fine.

- MAYA OPPENHEIM

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.”