Supreme Court will not hear appeal of pro-life campaigner about prayer outside abortion clinics

Mar 12, 2020 by Jill

from Premier:

The UK Supreme Court has turned down an appeal on London’s first ban on people standing near an abortion clinic, praying or protesting.

The abortion clinic in Ealing was the first in the country to introduce a buffer zone around its building in April 2018. This was challenged by pro-life groups who said it criminalised prayer and the opportunity to offer women support when they felt a termination was their only option.

Ealing council said it was implemented: “following concerns raised that those attending the clinic faced harassment and intimidation from groups who positioned themselves outside the clinic.”

Ms Dulgheriu, a local mother, challenged Ealing Council’s PSPO at the High Court.

She gave birth to her daughter after receiving support outside an abortion facility. The High Court found that the censorship zone impacted fundamental rights but ultimately decided the PSPO was justified and ordered Ms Dulgheriu to pay Ealing Council’s legal costs.

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