Raleigh considering 'buffer zones' to maintain safety at abortion clinics after recent display draws concerns

The city attorney is also working on "buffer zones."

Volunteers who help patients here say anti-abortion protesters push it to the limit, taking their demonstrations right up to the property line.

That's why they're calling on the city to create an area that would force protesters to gather further away. Facilities like A Woman's Choice in Raleigh have "No Trespassing" signs posted, but some feel that doesn't always provide enough safety.

When Rachel Wynn puts on her "Clinic Escort" vest, she's prepared to face protesters outside the abortion clinic in Raleigh where she volunteers to help patients get safely inside.

"They try to stop cars," Wynn said. "They try to stop patients. They yell. They bring out microphones. They make it as hectic and chaotic as possible."

But she'd never seen them show up in numbers like these.

Hundreds of people marched from a shopping center parking lot across Lake Boone Trail to the circle drive leading up to A Woman's Choice clinic.

In a recent video, protesters are seen flanking the fence line right up to the property line.

They even brought along a stage, microphone and speakers. The anti-abortion group "Love Life" calls these prayer walks.

In a statement to WRAL, Love Life said: “As the Church unites and mobilizes in and around Raleigh, we will continue to see the culture shift from death to life as more families run to the Church and stop running to the abortion centers.”

"We adhere to all city ordinances when doing our prayer walks and have the appropriate permits.”

"We do think they present a very clear danger and issue with a very legal healthcare service that people should be able to access."

Supporters of abortion rights are calling on the city to set up buffer zones which would prohibit protests within a certain number of feet around a clinic.

Newly-elected city councilor Megan Patton says it's a priority.

"Buffer zones around abortion clinics that I think are quick things we can really act on," Patton said. "They’re already sort of in the works that we can say, hey, let’s hurry up and get these across the finish line."

After seeing the size of this latest crowd, Wynn wants the city to take action now.

"We think this is going to continue to escalate," Wynn said.

Raleigh's mayor said the council has asked the police chief to make safety around clinics a priority and for the city attorney to look into buffer zones.

Charlotte passed a quiet buffer zone in 2019 that bans amplified noise around clinics.