Abortion clinic protest ban watered down, activists say
The Independent|October 31, 2024
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
Abortion clinic protest ban watered down, activists say

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.”

Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin October 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin October 31, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE INDEPENDENT DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Is our anti-ageing obsession now totally out of hand?
The Independent

Is our anti-ageing obsession now totally out of hand?

With women opting for botox injections to keep their hands looking youthful, Ellie Muir examines new beauty standards

time-read
4 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Reeves takes an extra £2bn in inheritance tax - for now
The Independent

Reeves takes an extra £2bn in inheritance tax - for now

Inheritance tax (IHT) is an odd one; many worry about it but only a tiny minority ever end up paying it. After this Budget, the minority will grow and the bills they face will rise.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Manchester United's life is in Amorim's capable hands
The Independent

Manchester United's life is in Amorim's capable hands

The manager made a fading Portuguese side into champions. Lawrence Ostlere pinpoints the tactics that may save United

time-read
5 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Did the Women's Equality Party achieve its ambition?
The Independent

Did the Women's Equality Party achieve its ambition?

Leaders of the Women's Equality Party (WEP) propose to wind up their organisation. A statement issued by its executive committee, endorsed by co-founders Sandi Toksvig and Catherine Mayer, declares: \"The truth is, despite themphenomenal efforts of our team, tireless activists and brilliant members, we can no longer see a way to make this work. Everybody is struggling, particularly women.

time-read
4 dak  |
October 31, 2024
New breast cancer therapy drug 'doubles survival time
The Independent

New breast cancer therapy drug 'doubles survival time

A new drug therapy for aggressive advanced breast cancer could potentially double the amount of time patients live without the disease progressing, a trial has found.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Northern Rail reveals it is still communicating via fax
The Independent

Northern Rail reveals it is still communicating via fax

A Northern Rail official has admitted the operator still uses fax machines to communicate with its train crews in an excruciating exchange about the state of its services.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Abortion clinic protest ban watered down, activists say
The Independent

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.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 31, 2024
First UK case of potentially deadly mpox strain detected
The Independent

First UK case of potentially deadly mpox strain detected

The first UK case of a potentially deadly strain of the has been detected in London.

time-read
2 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Key figures from day when long-held records tumbled
The Independent

Key figures from day when long-held records tumbled

The first Budget by a Labour chancellor in 14 years, and the first to be delivered by a woman, also signalled some major historical milestones for tax and spending.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 31, 2024
Sunak showed his anger in his last stand as Tory leader
The Independent

Sunak showed his anger in his last stand as Tory leader

The Budget reply was Rishi Sunak's last big gig in the House of Commons despite Keir Starmer's joke during Prime Minister's Questions that the Conservatives change leader so often, \"he may be back here\" soon. In those exchanges, Starmer and Sunak were all courtesy and best behaviour. Starmer paid tribute to his defeated opponent’s “decency”; Sunak was softly spoken and bipartisan.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 31, 2024