ANTI-ABORTION campaigners have been staging protests outside an abortion clinic in Southampton - sparking calls for buffer zones to be set up.

Choose Life Southampton has been holding vigils by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) clinic at Royal South Hants Hospital.

Its members’ actions have been criticised by pro-choice activists across the city.

The debate around abortion was reignited in the past week following the US Supreme Court’s ruling to end the constitutional right to abortion in America.

The controversial move has deepened division between pro-life and pro-choice groups around the world.

Leader of Choose Life Southampton, Adam Smith-Connor has been holding demonstrations across the city.

The physiotherapist, from Marchwood, told the Daily Echo he became anti-abortion after he was baptised in 2017.

The 49-year-old said: “As a pro-life person, I believe that there shouldn’t be abortions up to conception.”

Lottie Willcox, a member of Southampton University Feminist Society, said she disagrees and is “disappointed” to see anti-abortion protests taking place outside clinics.

She said: “They are targeting the exact space which should be safest for anyone going through the abortion process.

“Every individual is entitled to a personal opinion on abortion, whether they are for or against.

“To then be pressured and judged so publicly could potentially have a damaging impact on that person and their mental health.

“Abortion is a medical procedure and nobody should be made to feel guilt or judgment for accessing healthcare or making a decision that is right for them.”

Cllr Lorna Fielker, Cabinet member for Health, Adults, and Leisure added: “The decision to have an abortion is not made lightly, but it is right that women are able to make decisions about their own bodies free from harassment.

“A cross-party group of MPs have tabled an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill on buffer zones outside clinics which will be debated on Monday, July 5.”

Rachael Clarke, Chief of Staff at BPAS, wants more protection around the UK’s hardest hit abortion clinics.

She is calling for buffer zones to be created to protect patients from harassment and intimidation.

She said: “For a long time, the BPAS has been campaigning for buffer zones outside our clinics.

“We have had stories of harassment of those protesting outside and it shows current laws are not enough.

“We know the group they go across to our clinics including our Bournemouth site which is hardest hit by them.”

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