A vote to ban pro-life work outside abortion centres in Northern Ireland has been described as “diabolical” by Tracey Harkin of the Iona Institute Northern Ireland. She said there is “no justification for it”.

Two thirds of MLAs in the Northern Assembly voted in favour of the ‘Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill’ including the SDLP and Sinn Féin representatives.

The bill would establish areas outside clinics that would criminalise activities that seek to influence or impede people attending.

Tracey Harkin said that while everyone condemns harassment, this bill is “trying to prevent any sort of help or support or outreach.”

“For those generous souls who show up outside abortion centres and offer vulnerable women advice and support, especially financial help and just friendship – we know that we’re saving lives and that’s just Christianity in action, it’s love in action,” Ms Harkin said.