Ask your MP to oppose Rupa Huq’s abortion clinic buffer zone amendment

Recently suspended MP, Rupa Huq, has tabled an amendment (NC11) to the Public Order Bill to introduce buffer zones outside abortion clinics.
The amendment is due to be debated and possibly voted on in the House of Commons at Report Stage of the Bill this Monday (18 October).

Buffer zones (also known as ‘censorship’ or ‘safe’ zones) would effectively ban and criminalise volunteers from peacefully praying and offering support to women entering abortion clinics. However, hundreds of women have been helped by pro-life vigils, and current laws already protect women if they face harassment.

This amendment is Rupa Huq MP’s fourth attempt to introduce buffer zones in recent years, having attempted to change the law in June, in addition to trying to bring this change forward last year and in 2020. On the previous two occasions, she decided not to take the amendment to a vote at the last minute following substantial Parliamentary and public opposition.

If made law, it could criminalise anyone within 150 metres of an abortion clinic who offered a woman practical, emotional, or financial support in order to be able to continue her pregnancy, if she were unsure about her decision. 

Shockingly, under Huq’s plans, a person guilty of this offence is subject to severe criminal punishment – liable, in the first instance, to a prison sentence of up to 6 months and/or an unlimited fine, and on further instances, up to 2 years’ imprisonment.

The Government has considered the issue in depth, concluding in 2018 that “introducing national buffer zones would not be a proportionate response, considering the experiences of the majority of hospitals and clinics, and considering that the majority of activities are more passive in nature”.  

As recently as June, the then Home Office Minister Kit Malthouse pointed out that laws already exist to protect women if they face actual harassment or intimidation. 

The proposed amendment is also radically out of step with the opinions of the general public. A poll from Savanta ComRes showed that only 21% of the population support the introduction of nationwide ‘buffer zones’ around every abortion clinic. 

Please enter your postcode in the box above to write to your MP now asking them to oppose this change in the law.