MPs Back Rupa Huq's Abortion Clinic Buffer Zone Plan
Local MP has been campaigning on the issue for many years
Rupa Huq standing with protesters outside Marie Stopes clinic on Mattock Lane in 2016
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Rupa Huq has said she is “delighted” by the decision of MPs to back proposals to enforce buffer zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales.
The Ealing Central and Acton MP, who has long campaigned for buffer zones to be introduced outside abortion clinics like the one enforced outside the Marie Stopes clinic on Mattock Lane since 2018, was among the 297 MPs to vote in favour of the NC11 amendment to the Government’s Public Order Bill, with 110 MPs voting against.
Currently suspended from the Labour Party due to comments made about the former Chancellor, for which she has apologised, she was praised by many of her parliamentary colleagues including Stella Creasy MP for her work on the issue. The bill attracted cross party support including from former Prime Minister Theresa May.
Under the proposed law, harassing, obstructing or interfering with any woman attending an abortion clinic will become a criminal offence. Protesters found guilty of breaching the buffer zones – which would extend 150 metres from the clinics – could face up to six months in jail.
Cross-party effort: Rupa Huq MP with Labour’s Stella Creasy MP (right) and Conservative Baroness, Liz Sugg
Dr Huq told us, ““I am delighted to say that this amendment passed this week with MPs voting for it by a considerable margin. For me, this was an emotional moment as I have for many years campaigned on this issue which has been close to my heart as a very “Ealing” issue, having witnessed the protestors at Mattock Lane for decades who impeded use of the public pavement.
“The new clause was actually in my name. It ended up being spoken on by other MPs as I was elsewhere in the House of Commons at the time, but it was and is something I passionately believe in.
“If you strip away the controversial subject of abortion from the equation, which many people have long held and sincere views on, this measure protects women in their attempt to use legally available healthcare facilities free from interference. I’ve spoken countless times on this issue in Parliament and across the media. I’m grateful to my colleagues for backing this legislation.”
She added, “Many MPs came up to hug and congratulate me yesterday in the aftermath of the vote for all my work on this subject. The Public Order Bill will now to go to the House of Lords for improvement. What began in Ealing now leads the nation and both freedom of speech and the freedom of women to undertake medical procedures in anonymity with the confidentiality of being shamed at the clinic gates is ensured up and down the country.”
Anti-abortion protests outside clinics in recent years have included displaying images of foetuses, filming women and staff members and large gatherings singing hymns.
Opponents of the measure deny women attending abortion clinics are being intimidated and refer to a significant number of cases in which they have been grateful for the support received which made them aware of options that enabled them to keep their baby. It is also contended that clinics have a financial incentive to encourage women to have abortions and therefore a presence outside clinics is necessary to ensure that women can be fully informed in their choice.
The Bill still has several stages to clear before becoming law, including scrutiny in the House of Lords.
Ealing Council established the country’s first buffer zone, around the Marie Stopes clinic on Mattock Lane in 2018. Other councils have subsequently proposed similar schemes.
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October 23, 2022
