LAWS creating a no-protest zone around hospitals, GP surgeries, and other healthcare settings were passed through all stages of the Oireachtas this past week.
The campaign for the so-called Safe Access Zones was spearheaded by the Limerick-based Together for Safety group, who welcomed the Bill passing through all parliamentary stages on May 1.
Co-founder of the group, Karen Sugrue, told the Limerick Post that the passing of the Bill is “so welcome”.
“This has been a long campiagn to gain the right for women to access healthcare that they need and we are delighted it is now a reality.”
The campaign for the safety zones began when anti-abortion protesters took up mounting pickets outside hospitals, clinics, and GP surgeries where abortion services are provided.
Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan has saluted the campaigning of the Together for Safety group, who were instrumental in drawing up the Bill.
Senator Gavan welcomed the final outcome, saying: “At last the government has fulfilled its promise to deliver this legislation to ensure that anyone wishing to access healthcare can do so in privacy without being subject to harassment and tactics of coercion.”
The Health (Termination of Pregnancy) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023 completed its passage through both houses of the Oireachtas and will now be referred to President Michael D Higgins for his consideration.
The new law will create safe zones of 100 metres from an entrance or exit to a premises where obstetricians, gynaecologists, and general practitioners provide abortion services.
This will include consulting rooms, family planning clinics, and women’s health clinics. Within those zones, certain conduct aimed at impeding access or influencing decisions in relation to termination of pregnancy services will be prohibited.
“The Together for Safety group, which is headquartered in Limerick, built a powerful campaign around the issue and I was honoured to be asked by the group to introduce their Bill in the Seanad in 2021,” Senator Gavan said.
He added that he has no doubt that such protests outside healthcare facilities are linked to the very poor rate of take-up – one in 10 – by general practitioners to the provision of abortion services.
“Everybody has the right to access healthcare – including abortion services – in dignity, privacy, and safety. The passing of this Bill is a step in the right direction,” he said.
