“The decision of the Home Secretary to rule out the introduction of buffer zones around abortion clinics is hugely disappointing. It lets down women facing harassment and intimidation aimed at stopping them access their legal right.
“His comments that the response would be ‘disproportionate’ display an indifference for women who are facing one of the most important and difficult decisions in their lives. It is especially disappointing given that the Home Secretary did recognise that many women, when seeking to access a service to which they are legally entitled, are subject to harassment and intimidation that left them distressed, and even to not following medical advice.
“I urge the Home Secretary to rethink his decision and ensure that women get the support they need, free from harassment, intimidation and fear.”
Notes to editors
- In December 2017, a London Assembly motion calling for the Mayor to clarify the powers of the Metropolitan Police to arrest and prosecute anti-choice campaigners, who intimidate and harass women outside family planning clinics, was agreed. The motion can be found here
- Fiona Twycross AM is a Londonwide Assembly Member