HAVE YOU WITNESSED ANTI-CHOICE HARASSMENT?

Alliance for Choice are contacted on a regular basis by people from across NI and beyond who are distressed at particular tactics engaged by anti-choice actions. We need to keep an eye on the anti-choice groups that have continued to harass healthcare workers and people using sexual health clinics in NI.

The new legislation passed in October 2019 was supposed to include the implementation of measures to curb harassment of abortion seekers and medical staff. The Northern Ireland Office told us there was ‘no evidence’ that any special measures were necessary. yet we get calls and emails all the time about rallies, street actions and even in-clinic protests that contravene Covid-19 safety guidelines and cause untold harm by creating fear and stigma. Our aim is to challenge the harmful and deeply stigmatising tactics that are used by anti-choice groups. We recognise that this causes much upset to those of us who have had abortions, provide abortions and may require abortions in future.

Below we ask you to fill in this form and send us any photos or videos you have that are first-hand. As difficult as it is for people to witness and be subjected to such tactics, Alliance for Choice believe if we can capture people’s experiences of anti-choice tactics we can use it constructively to ensure safe access.

Alliance for Choice are supporters of the UK-wide Back Off Campaign . We will also continue to push for adequate measures to deal with protestors in NI and the legislative review in Ireland.

Tips when witnessing or being subject to anti-choice harassment:

Alliance for Choice have produced some straightforward advice on when and how to engage with particular types of anti choice activity.

Whilst we welcome the opportunity for public discourse on such issues, Alliance for Choice believes that de-escalation with in-person anti-choice ‘protests’ is important. Not only does this prevent escalation to aggressive attacks, but also ensures it is a calmer space outside the clinic for healthcare workers and those accessing treatment.

• If you encounter a stall, lobby or in-person protest outside a building, in a street or in any public place, we would advise that you do not engage directly with those individuals involved. They are unlikely to listen or take part in a two way discussion.

• If individuals try to engage you verbally or attempt to distribute their literature, advise them that you do not want their leaflets or to engage in discussion.

• If they persist, advise them calmly but firmly to ‘please leave me alone’ and if they continue, advise that they are harassing you. Stick to these phrases to ensure no discussion.

• If your entry or exit to a public place or a building is prevented or disturbed by this activity, politely shift to try another way, if they continue to prevent your movement, calmly say, “I am coming through”. Any blockade is not allowed and is a form of harassment.

• If you believe that Covid-19 Public Health Guidance or public health and safety is being breached, please take a note or record of your concern. This may include a photograph or voice recording, as long as no woman or pregnant person using the services is able to be identified.

• If you are upset or distressed by any of their statements, or imagery/literature, you may wish to take a record and use this portal to report such incidents.

• If you see anti-choice public images, especially those making misleading claims such as billboards, door to door leaflets or information in public places including online, you may also wish to take a photograph or record and via the portal.

• Anything you say or do is likely to also be recorded by them and/or reported to the PSNI. Members of AfC who were clinic escorts and members of the public who engaged them have been reported before. Please remember you will not change their minds in a street interaction, keep yourself safe, try and stay calm and remember to de-escalate.

• If you are reported to the PSNI please contact Alliance for Choice for assistance, either Emma Campbell 07894063965 or Naomi Connor 07505096576

The button above will take you through to our email where you can send any supporting material, pics of leaflets, billboards, posters, rallies, social media, first hand photos or videos or even voice notes from you immediately after experiencing their harassment.