A clinic in Cardiff has joined pro-choice petitioners calling on Cardiff Council to remove an anti-abortion vigil from outside its premises.
The charity British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) on St Mary Street has had members of anti-abortion group, 40 Days of Life near its entrance since the start of the Christian season of Lent on 14 February.
BPAS supports women who are considering a termination.
In a statement BPAS said: “Councils are the frontline to ensuring no woman is harassed in their area,” and called for a buffer zone to be put in place around clinics.
More than 500 people have signed a petition calling on Cardiff Council to take action and “allow women to access its services free from interference, intimidation and judgement.”
The lead petitioner, Tia Gibbon said: “It’s a bit insensitive to protest in a place where people are trying to access something which is legal and safe.
“We’d like the council to move them at least 100 metres away. They’re praying up at the window [of the clinic]. It’s still distressing the women and in my eyes that’s harassment.”
A Labour councillor for Plasnewydd, Sue Lent said: “I don’t think we have got the powers to do anything about it, but we are looking how we could get additional powers.”
Tia Gibbon is one of the people petitioning for Cardiff Council to ban the anti-abortion vigil
A member of 40 Days of Life, Rhoslyn Thomas said the group was offering any woman considering a termination more options: “We’re giving her a second choice. We are here offering advice and support. If you introduce a buffer zone what you’re doing is cutting off the choice for women.”
The group added it had complied with a request from the police to move further down the street from the clinic.
