CAMPAIGNERS have called for a ‘buffer zone’ around an abortion clinic in Bournemouth after staff and patients gathered hundreds of pieces of evidence of harassment.

Sister Supporter, an organisation campaigning to end the harassment of pregnant people outside abortion clinics, is calling on BCP Council to set up a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to protect staff and patients at the clinic from harassment and intimidation.

Since 2007, Bournemouth’s BPAS clinic staff have gathered more than 600 pieces of evidence about harassment.

It includes people following and challenging women and staff entering the clinic, putting baby clothes outside the hedges, and misleading leaflets being handed out.

One woman, who had been subject to such harassment, told the Daily Echo: “When I arrived at the clinic I could see three people stood on the green outside the front holding a sign saying ‘pregnant? Need help?’.

“I already guess that these were protesters, which does make you feel uncomfortable as you don’t want to have a conversation with someone about it as it’s your decision not someone else’s.

“I find it very unfair as someone else should not be trying to change their decision as they don’t know the circumstances and reasoning.”

PSPOs give local authorities the power to ensure public spaces can be used free from the risk of anti-social behaviour. Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, councils are allowed to draft and implement PSPOs in response to particular issues affecting their communities.

Katherine O’Brien, associate director of communications and campaigns at BPAS, said: “Women in Bournemouth should be able to access a lawful, confidential health service free from intimidation, and our staff should be able to provide this care without facing harassment.

“We urge BCP Council to do the right thing and bring forward a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) as a matter of urgency.”

Jess Bone, campaigner at Sister Supporter, said: “We know that before the pandemic, more than 100,000 women and pregnant people every year experienced anti-choice harassment at an abortion clinic, causing them to feel unnecessary shame and distress.

“Although the Government has so far failed to put national legislation in place to tackle this problem, local councils already have the power, through PSPOs, to stop harassment outside clinics.

“We are urging BCP Council to do the right thing, act now, and put a buffer zone around the clinic to protect patients and staff.”

Councillor Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for community safety and regulatory Services, said: “Our anti-social behaviour team have been working with the Bournemouth Pregnancy Advisory Service, Sister Supporter, the community and Dorset Police regarding alleged incidents occurring at the Dean Park Clinic in Bournemouth.

“Joint partnership working is ongoing to support the clinic and its clients. This includes reporting evidence of anti-social behaviour to be used as part of a wider approach to consider legislative options available to BCP Council or Dorset Police. A dedicated Council officer is managing the case.”