ABORTION campaign group Sister Supporter have said they are ‘beyond elated’ following the announcement a buffer zone will be introduced around the BPAS clinic in Bournemouth.

BCP Council portfolio holder for community safety, councillor Bobbie Dove, made the decision to put a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in place from this Thursday, October 13, around the British Pregnancy Advice Service clinic in Ophir Road, Bournemouth.

The PSPO will come into effect in the area directly surrounding the clinic.

READ MORE: Buffer zone introduced around Bournemouth abortion clinic

It will be in operation Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7am to 7pm, to cover the opening times of the clinic.

Activities prohibited with the PSPO area include:

  • Protesting abortion services
  • Handing out leaflets
  • Intimidating visitors to the clinic or its staff
  • Photographing or recording the clinic’s users
  • Holding vigils

Anyone failing to comply could incur a fixed penalty notice of £100 or be liable for conviction at a Magistrates Court.

READ MORE: Story behind protests at BPAS abortion clinic in Bournemouth

Jess, a spokesperson for Sister Supporter said: “We are beyond elated to hear this news that BCP Council has chosen to prioritise the welfare of abortion healthcare patients and staff.

“Anti-abortion harassment has been ongoing in the Bournemouth area for decades and now, finally, patients get the privacy and dignity they deserve when making their reproductive choices.

READ MORE: Petition for Bournemouth abortion clinic reaches 2,000 signatures

“We are sincerely grateful to the BPAS clinic for their hard work collecting evidence of impact, to the public for their overwhelming support and participation in our campaign, and to the council and councillor Bobbie Dove for making this decision.

“Anti-abortion harassment continues to occur nationwide. We need national legislation to ensure that everyone everywhere can access abortion care free from harassment and intimidation.”