Anti-choice protesters outside abortion clinics could face tougher laws

New laws could finally stop women from being harassed outside abortion clinics.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said that it’s ‘unacceptable’ that anyone is intimidated while accessing healthcare.

She has now ordered an assessment of the protests held outside clinics, and will hear from healthcare providers, police forces and local authorities on the issue.

The Home Office could then consider further action to protect those using or working in clinics, which could include bolstering existing police powers or creating new ones.

The council in Ealing Central and Acton backed a proposal to ban protesters from gathering outside an abortion clinic – a move that was welcomed by pro-choice campaigners (Picture: Getty Images)

Rudd said: ‘While everyone has a right to peaceful protest, it is simply 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.’

In October the council in her Ealing Central and Acton constituency backed a proposal that would ban protesters from gathering outside an abortion clinic.

Demonstrators hold daily vigils outside the clinic – but they deny harassing women.

Huq said: ‘The complete anonymity of women seeking terminations should be protected as one would expect with any other NHS procedure.’