A mother in London who chose to keep her unborn baby because of sidewalk counselors says she is filing a lawsuit against a new law that would push pro-life advocates further from abortion facilities.
Alina Dulgheriu, who is now a pro-life counselor with Be Here For Me, is filing the lawsuit after a council in London approved a 100-meter buffer zone that will prohibit pro-life supporters from gathering around a Marie Stopes abortion facility in London.
Dulgheriu says the buffer zone “criminalizes prayer” and would prevent counselors from giving information to women considering abortions.
“My little girl is here today because of the real practical and emotional support that I was given by a group outside a Marie Stopes clinic,” she said. “I am launching my legal challenge at the High Court to ensure that all women at Ealing and across the country do not have a vital support option removed.”
The Ealing Council in west London voted unanimously to approve the “safe zone” around the clinic after some women complained of intimidation by the protestors and counselors. However, pro-life supporters have denied harassing women.
The law says any who violate the buffer zone could face fines or jail time.
“What sort of a society criminalizes charity that is wanted and welcomed by many? Britain has a reputation for being a liberal, caring society, but what is liberal or caring about censoring free speech, banning charity and ignoring women who need help?” Dulgheriu said.
The buffer zone went into effect Monday at the facility.
According to a report from the British Care Quality Commission, the Marie Stopes clinic botched nearly 400 abortions in a two-month period in 2017.
The facility is also under investigation after a woman died following a late-term abortion at the clinic. In Australia, a woman is suing the Marie Stopes Australia clinic after she says the doctor did not realize she had an ectopic pregnancy and performed the abortion. She was later taken to emergency surgery.
Photo courtesy: Veronica Neffinger
Publication date: April 23, 2018
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