This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63302710

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
MPs back abortion clinic buffer zone law MPs back abortion clinic buffer zone law
(38 minutes later)
Protesters outside a Marie Stopes abortion clinic call for a change in the lawProtesters outside a Marie Stopes abortion clinic call for a change in the law
Plans to enforce buffer zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales have been backed by MPs.Plans to enforce buffer zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales have been backed by MPs.
Under the proposed law, harassing, obstructing or interfering with any woman attending an abortion clinic would become a criminal offence.Under the proposed law, harassing, obstructing or interfering with any woman attending an abortion clinic would become a criminal offence.
Protesters found guilty of breaching 150-metre buffer zones around clinics would face up to six months in jail.Protesters found guilty of breaching 150-metre buffer zones around clinics would face up to six months in jail.
Labour MP Stella Creasy said buffer zones protected "women accessing a very specific type of health care".Labour MP Stella Creasy said buffer zones protected "women accessing a very specific type of health care".
Ms Creasy, who proposed the new rules, said: "It does not stop free speech on abortion. It does not stop people protesting.Ms Creasy, who proposed the new rules, said: "It does not stop free speech on abortion. It does not stop people protesting.
"It simply says you shouldn't have the right to do this in the face of somebody - and very often these people are right up in front of people.""It simply says you shouldn't have the right to do this in the face of somebody - and very often these people are right up in front of people."
Appeal against abortion clinic protests ban fails Anti-abortion protests outside clinics in recent years have included displaying graphic images of foetuses, filming women and staff members and large gatherings singing hymns.
Sturgeon: Abortion clinic buffer zones will happen Some have hung baby clothes around clinic entrances and called women "murderers" as they enter clinics, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service said.
Abortion clinic buffer zone given go ahead Appeal against abortion clinic protests ban in London borough fails
Bournemouth abortion clinic buffer zone given go ahead
'I felt like a criminal for having an abortion'
The amendment to the Government's Public Order Bill, was approved by MPs by 297 votes to 110.The amendment to the Government's Public Order Bill, was approved by MPs by 297 votes to 110.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May and Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt were among those backing the buffer zones. Home Secretary Suella Braverman and fellow cabinet ministers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Kemi Badenoch voted against it.
The bill still has several stages to clear before becoming law, including scrutiny in the House of Lords.The bill still has several stages to clear before becoming law, including scrutiny in the House of Lords.
As it now stands the bill would ban influencing, impeding or threatening, intimidating or harassing, advising or persuading, using graphic, physical, verbal or written means to inform attendees about abortion services.As it now stands the bill would ban influencing, impeding or threatening, intimidating or harassing, advising or persuading, using graphic, physical, verbal or written means to inform attendees about abortion services.
Anti-abortion protests outside clinics in recent years have included displaying graphic images of foetuses, filming women and staff members and large gatherings singing hymns.
Similar legislation has been proposed in Scotland.Similar legislation has been proposed in Scotland.
Labour MP Stella Creasy proposed the new buffer zone rulesLabour MP Stella Creasy proposed the new buffer zone rules
Ms Creasy said: "Let's be honest, there's nobody praying outside the places you get a hip operation.Ms Creasy said: "Let's be honest, there's nobody praying outside the places you get a hip operation.
"There is nobody offering rosary beads or dead foetuses outside places you might go for an ankle injury."There is nobody offering rosary beads or dead foetuses outside places you might go for an ankle injury.
"There is a time and a place to have that conversation, but it is not when you are dealing with vulnerable women"."There is a time and a place to have that conversation, but it is not when you are dealing with vulnerable women".
Right To Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson said that if the amendment becomes law, as seems likely, "vital practical support provided by volunteers outside abortion clinics will be removed for women."Right To Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson said that if the amendment becomes law, as seems likely, "vital practical support provided by volunteers outside abortion clinics will be removed for women."
But the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) said the amendment would protect women and healthcare workers from harassment.But the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) said the amendment would protect women and healthcare workers from harassment.
BPAS chief executive Clare Murphy said: "Every year, around 100,000 women are treated by a clinic or hospital for an abortion that is targeted by anti-abortion protests.BPAS chief executive Clare Murphy said: "Every year, around 100,000 women are treated by a clinic or hospital for an abortion that is targeted by anti-abortion protests.
"These groups attempt to deter or prevent women from accessing abortion care by displaying graphic images of foetuses, calling women 'murderers', and hanging baby clothing around clinic entrances, causing women significant distress. Today's vote will bring an end to this activity.""These groups attempt to deter or prevent women from accessing abortion care by displaying graphic images of foetuses, calling women 'murderers', and hanging baby clothing around clinic entrances, causing women significant distress. Today's vote will bring an end to this activity."
Ealing council established the country's first buffer zone around a Marie Stopes clinic in 2018.Ealing council established the country's first buffer zone around a Marie Stopes clinic in 2018.
Since then other councils have proposed similar schemes.Since then other councils have proposed similar schemes.