Two pink lines.

For some women, becoming pregnant is celebrated news. For others, it can result in an extremely difficult, life changing decision – whether or not to terminate the pregnancy.

Abortions are an extremely vulnerable and distressing time for women and their partners. Many of these people are often met with screaming, disruptive protestors who block entrances and shout ‘murder’ outside abortion clinics.

The Sex Party has introduced a bill that will create safe zones around clinics from potential protestors.

The Labor state government is looking to draft legislation based on the bill created by Sex Party MP, Fiona Patten.

The bill has been met with widespread support and relief, particularly from women who have experienced this sort of harassment.

Victorians overwhelmingly support #SafeAccessZones to protect clinic patients and staff from harassment #SpringSt pic.twitter.com/YJZhZIHyzJ

— australian sex party (@aussexparty) September 1, 2015

#SafeAccessZones around Fertility Control Clinics is a welcomed win helping protect people during vulnerable times. A good result.

— Robert Doyle (@LordMayorMelb) September 2, 2015

Bronwyn* tells upstart about the day she visited an abortion clinic in Melbourne to have her options discussed.

“They [protestors] shouted abuse, name calling, waved pamphlets in my face and touched me. I was then escorted inside by security,” she says.

Bronwyn was only 16 at the time, and despite a line that was drawn on the concrete that protestors couldn’t pass, she was still forced to walk past them to enter the building.

She chose not to have an abortion after her visit, but says she backs the proposed law.

“It’s none of their business and they should not be allowed to harass women who are seeking legal medical treatments,” she says.

Abortions are legal in Victoria, but it’s still a difficult situation for women and their partners.

David and his girlfriend struggled to make the decision, despite knowing they couldn’t care for a child in their current circumstances.

“My girlfriend had spent the entire train ride to the clinic crying, we were both in a very sensitive state,” David tells upstart.

Once they arrived, protestors holdings signs and bibles swarmed the couple, telling them not to commit murder.

“My girlfriend grabbed my hand and squeezed it so hard. She was terrified. I was shocked,” he says.

“They were so heartless, so blind to the emotional state of others. I couldn’t believe people could be so cruel.”

The incident had no effect on their decision and only left them feeling worse.

“You’re not going to the clinic for a fun time. It’s one of the biggest decisions anybody could make and it’s one that stays with you,” he says.

“These women deserve respect and privacy, they should be able to do as they please to their own body.”

Staff and patients at certain clinics, like the one in East Melbourne, face harassment and protestors six days a week.

Rachael, who is a nurse, has witnessed first hand women who were forced to terminate pregnancies for health reasons.

“I think that’s when I grew to realise that not every termination is for the same reason and that each choice is carefully crafted and thought about,” she tells upstart.

She has since had to terminate her own pregnancy because it was beginning to endanger her health.

Seven weeks into her pregnancy, Rachael was admitted into hospital with severe dehydration, major systemic infection, vomiting, a collapsed lung, two broken ribs and an oesophageal tear.

She recovered in hospital and terminated her pregnancy once she was well enough to leave.

Despite facing no protestors outside her clinic, she experienced a lot of judgment from those around her.

Having witnessed the protestors outside the East Melbourne clinic, she supports the proposed laws.

“I think [buffer zones] do not stop the anger and hurt that these people inflict, but at least being able to walk without unwanted touching or prodding is a blessing,” she says.

“People have the right to freedom of speech, but when that speech impinges on the health and wellbeing of another, they must question their morals.”

Executive officer of Right To Life Australia, Katrina Haller, defends the right to protest outside abortion clinics.

“There should be no buffer zones,” she tells upstart.

“This is freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, a hallmark of democracies. Buffer zones are new frontiers in repressing dissent.”

She says that protest groups like Helpers of God’s Precious Infants saves lives by offering mothers an alternative.

Maddi, who had an abortion at 11 weeks when she was 15-years-old, believes the law will infringe on freedom of speech.

The termination of her baby was against her will and pushed forward by her parents and doctor.

“I don’t think angry, abusive protesters would have been helpful to me,” she tells upstart.

“However, if someone had approached me and spoken to me about my options and asked what I wanted, that would have certainly changed the outcome.”

Maddi doesn’t condone harassment, but is concerned that the new laws may have wider implications.

“I am opposed to the buffer zones. It sets a dangerous precedent to restrict protesters when the issue is contrary to popular opinion or a political interest,” she says.

While there is opposition to the proposed laws, it’s clear from those who shared their story with upstart that they’d have preferred to deal with their abortions privately.

Women are exercising their own rights, and should not be publicly shamed for it.

“Free speech is one thing, trying to impose your will onto them while they’re clearly crying is quite another,” David says.

“That’s not exercising free speech. That’s called physical and psychological harassment.”

Ewa Staszewska is a third-year journalism student at La Trobe University and the Politics & Society editor for upstart. You can follow her on Twitter here: @EwaStaszewska.

*Names have been altered for anonymity.