What is the Council proposing?
The Council is considering whether to extend the existing PSPO for a further three years in the same terms to ensure that pregnant women, staff and visitors can access the Clinic free from fear of intimidation, harassment, or distress and with a suitable level of dignity and privacy.
A decision on whether to extend the PSPO will be made following this consultation, taking into account any representations received.
Officers have considered the impact of the Order which has been positive, particularly considering that some of the incidents of harassment and intimidation started ten years prior to the PSPO being introduced and then continued. The main group involved in protest outside the Clinic continues to be active in the UK. Officers believe that if the Order was not renewed it is likely that protests would resume outside the MSI Choices Manchester Abortion and Vasectomy Clinic leading to incidents of intimidation, harassment and distress.