That right is not absolute: it does not include a right to intimidate or to harass individuals or their families. At the same time, a US-based group called Sidewalk Activists for Life has reportedly begun recruiting and training Irish members. Women on their way into hospitals or medical clinics that provide abortion services will be intercepted and encouraged to change their minds. The doctors and medical staff involved will be identified and placed under pressure. Similar tactics have led to exclusion zones being placed around clinics in the United States in order to prevent the harassment of patients and medical staff.

Source: The Irish Times February 19, 2019 00:00 UTC