Residents across Ealing are reminded that Ealing Council is holding a consultation on extending the Mattock Lane Safe Zone beyond April 2024 having made a public spaces protection order (PSPO) in 2018. The PSPO came following concerns about the actions of pro-life and pro-choice protest groups outside the MSI Reproductive Choices clinic.
In 2021, the initial 3 year PSPO was renewed following public consultation. If anyone breaches the conditions of the order, they can be fined or prosecuted.
In a statement, Ealing Council said that in 2018, it “found evidence that the activities had caused a persistent and continuing detrimental effect on the quality of life of people in the area around the clinic, including residents, visitors to the clinic, clinic staff, and those passing through the area.”
A designated area to the west of the clinic was established that allows those who wish to continue their campaign to continue subject to certain restrictions while there are no restrictions in place outside of the area covered by the PSPO.
To take part in the consultation which closes on 15 January 2024, click here.
Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for tackling inequality and crime, said: “It is important to us that women feel safe throughout our borough. The Mattock Lane safe zone was introduced in response to detailed evidence that the activities of protesters outside the clinic were having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of women using the clinic and its staff, as well as local people living in the area. Please take a few moments to respond to this consultation.”
Louise McCudden, MSI Reproductive Choices’ UK head of external affairs said: “Before the safe access zone was implemented, anti-choice behaviour outside clinics included spitting, calling women murderers, and handing out false medical information. The safe access zone has been incredibly effective at protecting women. Now they can receive this essential healthcare confidentially, without fear of harassment.”
Ms McCudden added: “We know that if this safe access zone is not renewed, anti-choice groups will feel vindicated in their behaviours. Since the overturning of Roe v Wade in the US, our clinics across England have witnessed increasing harassment. We implore the local community to respond to this consultation to make sure that those accessing care in Ealing do not have to face this again.”
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