12/09/2014

Stopes Clinic 'Forced To Respond' To Protestors

The Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast has announced that it is to use trained volunteers to escort people in and out of it's building because of anti-abortion protestors.

It is understood the volunteers will be trained in de-escalation methods, how to deal with conflict and distress calls. They will also be fitted with body-worn cameras for protection, public safety and to record potential incidents of criminal behaviour.

The clinic in Great Victoria Street has been a site of ongoing anti-abortion protests since it opened in 2012, with clinic director Dawn Purvis saying that the protestor's behaviour had forced them to respond.

(MH/CD)

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