‘I’ve been spat on, I’ve been abused,’ says former Green Party leader Clare Bailey, who used to volunteer at a private Belfast clinic
“I’ve mixed emotions. While it’s great to see this happening, I know this is not the endgame. You’re just waiting to see what the next iteration of these protests will be. But it’s still hugely significant. I’m really proud we’ve done it and been the first not just on these islands, but most of Europe.”
Under the Abortion Services Act – passed at Stormont last year before the collapse of the powersharing government – it is now illegal for people to be “impeded, recorded, influenced or to be caused harassment, alarm or distress” within the zones which can cover between 100m and 150m from entrances or exits of designated healthcare facilities providing lawful abortions. It is a criminal offence to hold protests in these areas, punishable by a fine of up to £500.
Asked how they felt about the law change to prevent their actions, one woman said: “We don’t do interviews”, before adding, “we’re here to pray”. Set up in April 2020 following the relaxation of the North’s strict abortion laws by Westminster six months earlier during a period of Stormont collapse, the College Street service provides early medical abortions . A full roll-out of services, including surgical terminations up to 23 weeks and six days, is due before the end of the year.
“Deciding to go through with an abortion is not easy. This is made harder by people yelling and screaming at you as you’re walking in – particular somewhere like College Street, which an actual sexual reproductive clinic,” she says. “There are multiple other things going on. Other women are using the service for things [including miscarriages], which are just as distressing for them.”
Dr McLaughlin singled out the campaigning work of Bailey, who left politics after losing her seat in last year’s Assembly election.
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