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
'Sometimes tears come out, you have to be an animal'
The Independent

'Sometimes tears come out, you have to be an animal'

Whether you want him to or not, 40-year-old heavyweight Derek Chisora isn’t ready to stop yet

time-read
3 dak  |
November 29, 2024
Legacy of 'transcendent' Senna finds another gear
The Independent

Legacy of 'transcendent' Senna finds another gear

There’s something about sport, and the global fandom the lead protagonists generate, which triggers a propensity to heroworship.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 29, 2024
Misfiring Madrid struggling to find European safety net
The Independent

Misfiring Madrid struggling to find European safety net

After beating the team 20th in the Premier League, Liverpool defeated the side 24th in the Champions League. The similarities may end there: it is scarcely a surprise Southampton occupy that station in England. But Real Madrid, the reigning champions of Europe, find themselves 24th after five rounds.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 29, 2024
Hojlund brace secures win in chaotic performance
The Independent

Hojlund brace secures win in chaotic performance

The banner in the Stretford End was written in Ruben Amorim’s native Portuguese. “Bem vindo a casa,” it read. Welcome home.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 29, 2024
Insurance 'mega merger' is no great deal for consumers
The Independent

Insurance 'mega merger' is no great deal for consumers

The City loves a deal. Consumers, not so much. For them, a tieup between insurance giants Aviva and Direct Line, at a time when car insurance prices are at historic highs, is a far from enticing prospect.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 29, 2024
Is the British car industry on the skids once more?
The Independent

Is the British car industry on the skids once more?

As Vauxhall plans to close its Luton plant putting 1,100 jobs at risk, Howard Mustoe asks if government policy is to blame

time-read
3 dak  |
November 29, 2024
Brat girl's down and dirty
The Independent

Brat girl's down and dirty

Charli XCX starts her victory lap in Manchester with a live show that’s as brazen as it is brilliant

time-read
3 dak  |
November 29, 2024
Obsession and darkness at centre of Hitchcock classic
The Independent

Obsession and darkness at centre of Hitchcock classic

The 1964 psychodrama Marnie’ was blighted by its director’s behaviour towards the lead star Tippi Hedren, resulting in dramatic results on and off screen

time-read
6 dak  |
November 29, 2024
CARDINAL SINS
The Independent

CARDINAL SINS

The twisty, Oscar-tipped Conclave’ needed more than shock and awe, writes Clarisse Loughrey, while the beautiful loneliness of All We Imagine as Light’ will speak to your soul

time-read
5 dak  |
November 29, 2024
MasterChef host faces the heat away from the kitchen
The Independent

MasterChef host faces the heat away from the kitchen

Gregg Wallace is stepping back from the long-running BBC show while claims of misconduct are probed. Nick Hilton looks at the story of the greengrocer-turned-TV presenter

time-read
6 dak  |
November 29, 2024