Victoria creates exclusion zones around abortion clinics

December 3, 2015
Issue 
Exclusion zones around clinics will end the harrassment of women.

Victoria passed legislation on November 27 creating exclusion zones of 150 metres around abortion clinics.

Victoria decriminalised abortion in 2008. But each month right-wing Christians organised protests that harass women seeking to use clinics that offer abortions.

The legislation makes it an offence to film people without consent or block access to footpaths, roads and vehicles within the zone around GP clinics, hospitals and other health services offering abortions.

Women's health campaigners welcomed the news. Rita Butera, executive director of Women's Health Victoria said: “Thanks to the bill, women making personal and often difficult health decisions in relation to pregnancy can expect the same degree of privacy, safety and dignity that all Victorians are entitled to when accessing health services.”

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