Abortion clinic wins right to ban protesters

ANTI-ABORTION campaigners will be banned from protesting outside a pregnancy termination clinic for the first time in the UK.

The landmark vote was made last night by Ealing Council. The West London town hall unanimously agreed to introduce a ‘safe zone’ around a Marie Stopes abortion clinic to protect women from harassment and intimidation by pro-life groups.

A Public Service Protection Order (PSPO) will be imposed, allowing the council to ban protests and vigils.

Breaching the terms of the order is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000. This is the first time a PSPO, typically used to tackle anti- social behaviour and street drinking, has been used to stop a public protest.

Opponents said it is a ‘draconian ban that criminalises ordinary citizens’ and could set a precedent that limits campaigners’ freedom to protest.

But councillors said anti-abortion campaigners were causing ‘distress and alarm’ to residents on a daily basis.

Evidence submitted to the consultation revealed how protestors held up images of dismembered foetuses and told women leaving the clinic they will be ‘haunted by their dead baby’.

‘Haunted by their dead baby’