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During the election campaign, Ford said he would not reopen the abortion debate if elected, but would allow caucus members to bring forward legislation.

The provincial government, for its part, has made no moves to repeal the law, nor has it given any indication that it plans to.

“Our government is focused right now on bringing affordability to Ontario families, creating smaller, more effective government, and putting money back in the pockets of hardworking Ontarians,” said Jessica Trepanier, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of the Attorney General in response to a question about whether the government was considering repealing the law.

In 2017, former provincial attorney general and Ottawa MPP Yasir Naqvi said reports of escalating violence near the Ottawa clinic had inspired the law.

“We have heard instances where women have been spat on,” he said. “Those types of things are absolutely unacceptable.”

Chris Farley Ratcliffe, interim executive director of Planned Parenthood Ottawa, said it is worrisome that there is pressure for the province to repeal the law.

“It certainly is a matter of concern that Campaign Life might choose to fight against the bubble zone legislation. It is hard to know what the government will do on that front.”

Fonseca of Campaign Life Coalition, said Ford “is not what we would consider a pro-life politician,” but he has made it clear that free speech is important to him.

“This should be seen as a free speech issue. The university funding announcement gives us hope. How can you be of two minds to say we think it is terrible that free speech is being squelched in universities but we think it is acceptable on a public sidewalk?” he asked.

“We are not talking about violence. That is not what this is about. This is about silencing opinions with which you disagree.”

There are signs marking the 50-metre mark around Ottawa’s Morgentaler Clinic.