Buffer zones around abortion clinics

Those who have read any of my previous blog posts will know that I strongly feel that women should be able to make their own decision on whether or not to have an abortion. This is why I'm becoming more and more worried that nothing is being done about implementing buffer zones around abortion clinics.

I completely understand that 'pro-life' supporters are entitled to their decision and completely accept that. However, I don't think the law should allow them to intimidate vulnerable women, trying to force them to agree.

Both staff and patients in abortion clinics are being put in danger every single day by aggressive protesters. Even if they do nothing to physically hurt a woman, they're presence is enough to frighten her out of her decision to have an abortion.

All too often protesters film women entering clinics and post these videos online. How on earth is this legal? The police have absolutely no power to stop this because outside a clinic is a public area, although the Home Office is insisting that they do.

When a fire drill went off in an abortion clinic, many women refused to leave the building because they were too scared of the protesters. If this isn't a sign that we need buffer zones, I don't know what is.

Recently, an unnamed abortion clinic had to close due to protesters. We can't just stand here and watch womens' healthcare clinics shut down.

The protesters may describe themselves as 'pro-life' but they blatantly don't care about the life or wellbeing of women.

And that's just unforgivable.


Have a beautiful day x

Letter to my MP

I'm sure I'm not the only one that was very upset with the outcome of the vote on the taxing of sanitary products last week. Scrolling down the list of MPs voting for the tax to remain, I wasn't the least bit surprised to see my MPs name. So I thought I'd send him a little note...

Dear XXXXXXX XXXXX,

I write to you regarding your decision to vote for the tax on sanitary products to remain. Last year I attended XXXX school, which you have visited many times, and this year have started studying at the University of Southampton, reading a Masters in Biochemistry. In the future I plan to take a PhD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology- so your decision is of great interest to me. I was very disappointed to see that your name is on the list of MPs that voted against the abolition of the tax. I would be fascinated to hear your reasoning behind backing this sexist tax- and I’m sure I’m one of many. Try as I might, I am completely unable to see any valid reason for keeping the tax.

I personally feel your vote is an appalling decision. Not only does it show your lack of ability to comprehend basic equality but it drills into young girls, who already feel vulnerable during puberty, that periods are shameful. You are actively helping to destroy their self- confidence and tell them that they should have fewer rights than boys. Ironically, you are meant to be representing the XXXXX community, but have shown that you blatantly disregard the views of half the constituency. XXXXX chose you to make decisions in our best interests and you have failed to do this. You’ve made it very clear that you view women as second-class citizens.

Your views go against everything I, and quite frankly this great country, stand for. I’m sure that at the next election there will be an increase in the turnout of females which I view as excellent, although I expect few will vote for members of your party who have unashamedly told us our views mean nothing and have trampled over our basic rights.

Next time you visit sixth formers in secondary schools around XXXXX in an attempt to gain voters, please don’t be shocked if you are constantly questioned on your decision- especially by females. That is assuming that you won’t be putting forward a vote to end female education in XXXXX.

In my GCSE and A-level Economics studies, we learnt the difference between a luxury (elastic) item and a necessary (inelastic) item. If the price of a product increases from an original value to a higher value and if the quantity demanded of the product falls a smaller distance than the change in price, then the said product is inelastic. Should you wish to draw a demand curve for sanitary products, you will find the diagram shows a very inelastic good. I find it concerning that those in charge of our country lack common sense and are unable to grasp basic economics, which is easily comprehended by students in secondary school.

I look forward to hearing your response on your reasoning behind your decision and how you feel this enriches the XXXXX community.

Regards,

The girl in the green cardigan

If you feel strongly in the same way that I do, make sure your voice is heard. You can always send letters anonymously or as a group if you're feeling shy.

Have a beautiful day x