I went back to BPAS, Ophir road. This time I went inside

On Friday I made my way back to the BPAS clinic in Ophir road. Only this time I was making my way inside and going to be speaking with their Treatment Unit Manager, Amanda Ewels. She is in charge of the overall running of this clinic that provides abortion services to women from all over the country.

I enter the front porch and see a sign telling me to press the buzzer and state my name when its answered, you’re only getting in if the front of house team let you in. I’m a little apprehensive to go into the waiting room, I’m not there using these services and I didn’t want to make anybody feel uncomfortable, especially if they clock that I’m a trainee journalist. Its empty when I enter though, and I’m asked to sign non-disclosure form.

I’m greeted by Amanda and we go through to her office. She tells me this clinic sees in excess of 100 women each week, around 50-60 of those are people coming in for a consultation. And in any given week there are up to 60 surgical treatments. Surgical abortion is when the pregnancy is removed vaginally by a doctor using a suction method or narrow forceps.

We discuss the effect that pro-life advocates standing outside have on their clients. Amanda tells me “It’s not a decision that anyone comes to lightly, there’s an awful lot of heartache that comes with it. So, to be faced with people who they feel are judging them outside on their way in is absolutely devastating and has a big impact on them.”

Amanda tells me that often women come through the door, sometimes in tears. They get approached, they’re handed leaflets or they’re seeing placards with images or words on that are upsetting or distressing. “We do try to comfort them and reassure them and just make sure that they understand that their decision is supported by us. Were not here to promote abortion, were here to promote choice and that’s what we aim to do, so we just want to make sure that everyone coming through is as sure as they can be and that this is the right course of treatment for them.”

Stay tuned to hear more of what me and Amanda discussed.