Anti-abortion campaigners claim proposals for buffer zones around clinics are designed to silence their campaign and will infringe on their human rights.

Members of Abort 67 said plans to prevent protests outside abortion clinics were reminiscent of a North Korean dictatorship intent on shutting down free speech.

The proposals have received the backing of abortion clinics which have been targeted by protesters. Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called for buffer zones where protests are banned, similar to those used in the US, claiming that in a number of recent high-profile incidents women trying to use clinics were being intimidated.

Andy Stephenson, of Abort 67, said claims by Ms Cooper and fellow Labour MP Luciana Berger that anti-abortion groups were blocking entrances, harassing staff, handing leaflets to toddlers and filming women entering the clinic were fabricated.

Abort 67 has protested outside Wistons Clinic, off Dyke Road, Brighton, for the past seven years and maintains a weekly presence outside the site.

Mr Stephenson, from Worthing, was cleared of public order offences linked to a protest that took place outside Wistons Clinic in 2012.

He said: “The abortion industry tried to shut us down over our pictures claiming they fell foul of the public order act and now they are trying a different approach to shut us down.

“The pavement belongs to everybody and abortion clinics shouldn’t have the right to extend boundaries.

“If it’s us now, who will be next? This is the thin end of a dangerous wedge.”

MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas said: “This isn’t about shutting down debate, it’s about the balance of rights. The right to peaceful protest and free speech can be upheld without infringing upon a woman’s right to make her own sexual health choices.

“The Government has a duty to ensure these legal healthcare services can continue to operate and be accessed safely – and I strongly urge it to legislate to that effect.”

A British Pregnancy Advisory Service spokesman said: “We really welcome the announcement by Labour and introducing buffer zones around clinics would be of great benefit to a clinic like Wistons.

“We know women visiting the centre are regularly approached by these people, and feel intimidated.”