PROTESTORS ARRESTED OUTSIDE PREGNANCY TERMINATION CENTRE.

 On Tuesday 14^th March 2015, police were called to a report of protest activity outside the Pregnancy Termination Centre in Victoria Street, Hobart. The centre is a licenced day procedure clinic operating under Specialist Gynaecology Centres.

Police arrived about 8.30am and met with a small group of protestors outside the entrance to the centre who were waving placards and attempting to hand out brochures. Police also spoke to the operators of the centre.

After some attempt to negotiate, the protestors were directed to leave the area as they were committing an offence.

“The Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Act 2013 prohibits anyone from engaging in prohibited behaviour within 150 metres of premises where terminations are provided; Prohibited behaviour can include a protest in relation to terminations and footpath interference,” said Inspector David Plumpton.

The protestors refused to leave the area outside the centre and were arrested for failing to comply with the direction of a police officer. A 61 year old man and a 56 year old woman from Geeveston were charged and bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Another man, aged 59 years who is believed to reside in Queensland was charged and held in custody to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court later today.

“All three offenders will face charges under the provisions of the Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Act and the Police Offences Act,” Inspector Plumpton said.