PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Buffer zones to criminalise offering vital support option to women
The buffer zone clause in the Public Order Bill that was introduced by Stella Creasy MP in the Commons and then amended by Baroness Sugg in the Lords, has been approved by the House of Commons in a voice vote.
A group of MPs tabled two amendments that would have lessened the negative impacts of the buffer zone clause that was added to the Public Order Bill.
Amendment A would have ensured that silent prayer and consensual communication are not made illegal outside abortion clinics, however, MPs voted by 298 to 117 against the amendment. Another amendment (B), which would have required a review to take place before buffer zones came into force, was not taken to a vote.
Right To Life UK spokesperson, Catherine Robinson, said:
“This is a tragic day for women facing unplanned pregnancies and unborn children”.
“Hundreds of women have been helped outside abortion clinics by pro-life volunteers who have provided them with practical support, which made it clear to them that they had another option other than going through with the abortion”.
“This change in the law will mean that the vital practical support provided by volunteers outside abortion clinics will be removed for women and many more lives will likely be lost to abortion”.
“Thank you to everyone who wrote to their MPs asking them to oppose the buffer zone clause in the Public Order Bill”.
“A large number of MPs spoke in the debate against the introduction of buffer zones and in support of the above amendments”.
“Sadly it appeared the majority of the MPs who voted down this amendment were not in the chamber to hear these speeches during the debate, and only arrived in the chamber when the division on the amendment was called”.
ENDS
- For additional quotes and media interviews contact press@righttolife.org.uk or 07774 483658.
- For further information on Right To Life UK visit www.righttolife.org.uk
