BUFFER zones are due to be enforced outside of abortion clinics in Birmingham, with the aim of strengthening current safeguarding measures for women accessing the clinic’s services.
A public space protection order (PSPO) has been in place outside of Robert Clinic on Station Road, one such healthcare provider, since 2022, with Birmingham City Council reviewing the current protections to include buffer zones.
The current PSPO prohibits actions such as protesting outside of the clinic, engaging in any act of approval or disapproval of abortion-related service, interfering, intimidating, harassing, recording, or recording any Robert Clinic service user, visitor or member of staff, or attempting to do any of the above.
The safe action buffer zones will go one step further, making it illegal for anyone to intentionally or recklessly influence someone’s decision to use abortion services, obstruct them, or cause harassment or distress to someone using the clinic or working there.
A public space protection order (PSPO) covering Robert Clinic on Station Road has been in place since 7 Sept 2022 for 3 years. The PSPO has been reviewed to introduce buffer zones, which come into force on 31 October 2024.
— Bham City Council (@BhamCityCouncil) October 24, 2024
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The buffer zones will come into effect as of October 31 and will cover a 150-metre radius around the clinic.
Birmingham City Council Community Safety Team will work with West Midlands Police to ensure the transition of the PSPO to the buffer zones is completed so that there is no impact on staff and visitors to the clinic.
If anyone does not comply with the order, they will be committing an offence which could result in sanctions including a fine of up to £1,000.
Cllr Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “It is important that women are not harassed when visiting the Robert Clinic for health care, as they deserve privacy and understanding during what must be a difficult time for them.
“Birmingham City Council welcomes the government's safeguarding measures for women who need access to this vital service which women should be able to use without intrusion or intimidation.
“The buffer zones will hopefully deter anyone from protesting, interfering or intimidating service users and make their visits easier to cope with.”
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