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

Legal challenge to High Court decision over Marie Stopes Clinic protests

The Appeal Court will hear a challenge to Ealing Council's landmark decision to introduce a 'safe zone' outside the Marie Stopes Clinic on Mattock Lane, Ealing.

The legal challenge was 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  restricts freedom of speech. criminalises prayer, offering of support and any act of approval/disapproval regarding abortion outside the clinic. They launched a crowdfunding appeal and raised £50,000 for the latest legal challenge.

It follows Home Secretary Sajid Javey decision to rule out the introduction of 'buffer zones' on a national scale saying such a move would not be 'proportionate' in light of the 'passive' nature of activities outside abortion clinics and the current powers of police and councils.

January 15th 2019