No abortion buffer zones
HOME Secretary Sajid Javid sparked a fierce row yesterday after rejecting calls for buffer zones banning protests outside all abortion clinics.
Campaigners who wanted restrictions to prevent harassment branded it a ‘ disgusting failure to uphold women’s rights’.
This year Ealing Council became the first in the country to use local authority powers to create a 100- metre protest-free zone outside a Marie Stopes centre in west London.
A Home Office review found cases of ‘distressing’ behaviour by pro-life protesters, including handing out model foetuses and even assaulting patients.
But Mr Javid said these incidents were ‘not the norm’ and most anti-abortion activities were ‘more passive in nature’, such as praying and handing out leaflets.