A new poll by Savanta ComRes has shown that only 21 per cent of UK adults would support proposals for ‘censorship zones’ around every abortion clinic nationwide.
Commissioned by Right to Life, the survey also indicated that support was lowest among 18-34-year-olds, with only 15 per cent of them supporting nationwide ‘censorship zones’ at all abortion clinics.
The poll comes as a vote on the matter will go ahead on 5th July. Labour MP Rupa Huq has tabled an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill seeking to introduce a jail term for anyone that speaks about abortion to a woman seeking an abortion within 150 metres of an abortion clinic.
This would also include anyone who protests or demonstrates outside a clinic, as well as anyone who approaches a woman to offer any kind of practical, emotional, or financial support to be able to continue a pregnancy if she is unsure about her decision.
The poll has also revealed 24 per cent of people would support the restrictions if they were only imposed on specific individuals found to be harassing women, while 15 per cent said that ‘censorship zones’ should only be introduced at specific clinics where there are ongoing problems.
Catherine Robinson, a spokesperson for charity Right To Life UK, said: “This poll clearly shows there is very little support from the public for introducing nationwide censorship zones”.
“Many babies are alive today because their mothers were able to receive the help they needed outside of an abortion clinic”.
“By attempting to prevent women considering abortion from receiving compassionate emotional and practical support, the ‘pro-choice’ lobby have revealed their opposition to real choice for women”.
Huq previously attempted to introduce a similar Bill through the Commons, but it failed to pass after its Second Reading last September.
