New Appeal Over Ealing's Abortion Clinic 'Buffer Zone'

Legal challenge to High Court decision over Marie Stopes Clinic protests

A woman's filed a petition at the High Court appealing against Ealing Council's landmark decision to introduce a 'safe zone' outside the Marie Stopes Clinic on Mattock Lane, Ealing.

The legal challenge has been made by Alina Dulgheriu, from the pro-life group 'Be Here For Me' after the High Court backed Ealing Council who have now enforced a Public Spaces protection Order (known as PSPO or buffer zone) in the area outside the clinic.

However, the pro-life group claim the PSPO criminalises prayer, offering of support and any act of approval/disapproval regarding abortion outside the clinic.

They launched a crowdfunding appeal and have raised funds for the latest legal challenge.

Ms Dulgheriu says,  “I have sought permission to appeal the High Court decision because I believe the law has been misapplied and has allowed for the unjust criminalization of offers of support and silent prayer. This judgment will have devastating ramifications for hundreds of women and for society at large if it is allowed to stand.

''I know how devastating the effect of this judgment will be because I received a loving offer of support when I needed it most, when I thought I had no other alternative. Without this simple offer, I would not have my beautiful 6 year old daughter today. Since then, I have been privileged to join a compassionate, loving group of citizens who offer this same help to mothers in similar circumstances.

''Such offers of help have now been criminalised in Ealing on the basis of evidence that the High Court recognised was not of a criminal standard. Fundamental human rights, such as freedom of expression, the right to pray and the right to receive information have been undermined. How can we, as a society that recognises the value of these fundamental rights, allow this to happen?

''For the sake of the vulnerable women who now will not be able to access the loving help I did, and for the sake of the fundamental freedoms that our society holds so dear, I have asked the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal. This step simply would have not been possible without the incredible support of over 400 people who have donated on the crowdfunding page. I am so grateful for their generous support.”

July 30th 2018