Press releases

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) and Amnesty International UK have come together to host a screening of Zurawski v Texas, a film about a group of women denied abortions in Texas who band together with a fearless attorney to sue the state government. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion as we come together for an evening of resistance on the day of the Presidential inauguration.

Heidi Stewart, CEO of BPAS, said:
“To every woman feeling fear, anger, and uncertainty today: we hear you, we stand with you, and we will fight for you. Abortion access is not a privilege to be granted or revoked by political leaders; it is a fundamental human right owed to every woman.

After a decade of BPAS’s campaigning, and 18 months since the law was passed overwhelmingly by Parliament – safe access zones will today come into force in England and Wales.

Nearly Half (49%) of Women Face Barriers: Women across the UK report long wait times, difficulty securing appointments, and financial hurdles when trying to access their preferred method of contraception.

BPAS CEO, Heidi Stewart, comments on today's announcement that safe access zones will be brought into force around abortion clinics from 31st October 2024.

Today marks 500 days since Parliament passed legislation to establish Safe Access Zones around abortion clinics. The law was supposed to shield women and healthcare staff from aggressive protests that obstruct access to essential medical care. Yet 500 days later, that promise remains unfulfilled.