Home secretary Amber Rudd has asked “interested parties” to have their say on pro-life vigils outside abortion clinics as part of a Government consultation. The Home Office has launched a review into alleged “harassment” by pro-lifers outside abortion clinics. It is considering whether new powers are needed to protect people going to a clinic or working there. The review, announced in November, initially sought views only from police forces, healthcare providers and local authorities. But the Home Secretary has now widened the consultation to include “protesters” ­– people taking part in the vigils – as well as those who have “sought medical opinion or advice” from the clinics. The Society for the Protection of the Unborn has urged all pro-lifers who have taken part in the vigils to share their experiences with the Home Office in order to influence the inquiry. The deadline for contributions from the public is February 19. The survey can be accessed at www.homeofficesurveys. Ms Rudd said: “An abortion is an incredibly personal decision for anyone to take, and so it is completely unacceptable for women to face harassment or intimidation for exercising their legal right to healthcare advice and treatment. “While everyone has a right to peaceful protest, this review is about ensuring the police, healthcare providers and local authorities have the right powers to protect women making these tough decisions.” Ealing Council in west London, meanwhile, has launched a separate consultation on whether a Public Spaces Protection Order should be imposed to stop pro-life vigils outside a clinic there.