Minister orders review into harassment and intimidation near abortion clinics

The Home Secretary has ordered an in-depth assessment of protests outside abortion clinics following concerns about the tactics of some protesters.

Some women had been subjected to harassment and intimidating behaviour from protesters when visiting family planning clinics, the Home Office said.

In October councillors at the London Borough of Ealing backed a proposal to ban anti-abortion groups from protesting outside a Marie Stopes clinic in the borough.

The Home Office review will gather evidence from police forces, healthcare providers and local authorities “to understand the scale and nature of these protests, before considering what further action the Government can take to protect those using or working in abortion clinics”.

This could include bolstering existing or creating new police and civil powers, the Home Office said.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: “While everyone has a right to peaceful protest, it is completely unacceptable that anyone should feel harassed or intimidated simply for exercising their legal right to healthcare advice and treatment. The decision to have an abortion is already an incredibly personal one, without women being further pressured by aggressive protesters.

“Let me be clear, this review is about ensuring the police, healthcare providers and local authorities have the right powers to protect women making these tough decisions. But this isn’t to kick the issue into the long grass. The review will collect the detailed evidence and firm recommendations that allow us to take the right action to tackle this problem.”

Policing Minister Nick Hurd has written to the National Policing Lead for Protest, Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Swann to begin the work on finding out what more could be done.

The review, to be conducted by Home Office officials, will also consider international comparisons, as similar protests have taken place in Australia, France and the United States.