Thread by @bpas1968

Today, the US-based anti-abortion group 40 Days for Life will begin 40 day long protests outside 14 abortion clinics across Great Britain. All but 3 of these clinics are run by BPAS. We’re targeted for speaking out against this harassment, but we’re not going to stop. #BackOff

Around half of the women we see attend a clinic at some stage in the treatment. The tactics used by these protesters may not be violent, but they’re not peaceful. Women and healthcare professionals are often left alarmed and distressed by what happens at the clinic gate. #BackOff

Women tell us they feel uncomfortable, judged, and targeted as they’re approached by members of anti-choice groups. Our clients deserve access to basic healthcare without the fear of being harassed or frightened by these groups. #BackOff

These groups cause significant distress to thousands of women and healthcare professionals while they access or provide essential healthcare. Abortion clinic protesting is a national problem that requires a national solution. Women need buffer zones. We need a new law. #BackOff

In 2019, more than 100,000 women attended clinics that were targeted by anti-abortion protests. The only way to protect these women is with people like BPAS fighting for our right to access care. Become a Friend of BPAS today: friendsofbpas.org/sign-up/ #BackOff

Over 50,000 women have been able to avoid attending a clinic since the temporary introduction of telemedical abortion care in March 2020.

This protects women from protesters, allowing them to end their pregnancies from the safety and privacy of their own homes.

The government are currently consulting on repealing telemedical abortion care, which was introduced as a temporary measure during the pandemic.

If telemedicine is revoked, all women will be forced to attend clinics, putting more at risk of harassment from protesters.

To protect women from anti-abortion protesters, we must protect telemedical abortion care.

Please take 5 mins to help ensure women can continue to access abortion care from the safety and privacy of their homes. Respond to the government consultation now

gov.uk/government/con…