Clare Bailey MLA’s Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill has passed its Final Stage in the Assembly today. Its will now go for Royal Assent before becoming law.

The Green Party NI Leader said: “The deliberate and concerted campaign of harassment and intimidation against women has to stop.

“During my time as a volunteer with the Marie Stopes clinic, I was spat at, splashed with holy water, called a murderer, and watched a woman run into oncoming traffic to escape these people. This needs to stop, this is not protest as I understand it.

“Health trusts have told us that they need to employ security staff, install safety glass, that their staff are being recorded as they go about their work, and that women presenting while miscarrying pregnancies are being targeted. This puts women’s lives at risk.

“Even during the committee scrutiny of this Bill, it emerged that Department officials had been threatened, demonstrating the extent of this campaign of harassment and intimidation.

“I am delighted that my Safe Access Zones Bill has received such widespread political support. Alongside the long-overdue commissioning of abortion services, this legislation will go a long way to ensuring that women’s right to access healthcare is protected.”