Anti-abortion protesters have forced women to "walk the gauntlet" as they enter a Melbourne fertility clinic, prompting staff to make hundreds of calls to police and the council over the last 20 years.
Now the Fertility Control Clinic in East Melbourne has taken Melbourne City Council to the Supreme Court to try to ban the protesters from gathering outside the clinic.
Up to 12 Helpers of God's Precious Infants gather outside every day, and up to 100 on one day a month, the court heard on Wednesday.
Peter Hanks QC, for the clinic, says nuisance complaints to the council have been investigated but not dealt with.
Mr Hanks said the clinic provides a number of specialist women's medical services, but pregnancy termination appeared to be the target.
The clinic wants to force the council to issue a prohibition notice, banning protesters from gathering on the footpath outside.
Mr Hanks said that would still enable protesters to gather on either side of the clinic, and across the road, but would keep the front clear for patients and staff.
Richard Niall QC, for the council, says they investigated and told the clinic to settle the matter with Victoria Police, a direction that met their obligations under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act.
Justice Michael McDonald noted the clinic could have issued proceedings against the protesters directly, rather than take action against the council.
But Mr Hanks said the identities of the protesters were unknown.
Outside court, Susie Allanson, who has been a clinical psychologist at the clinic for 24 years, said she believes in the rights of protesters but thinks the clinic is the wrong place to express their opinions.
She said protesters told women entering the clinic not to kill their babies, that abortion would cause cancer or ruin their relationships.
Dr Allanson said protesters were causing staff stress but calling the police and council all the time was a waste of resources when they needed a proactive solution.
"I think it's a form of violence and disrespect to women and ... so far nothing has been done to address this problem," she said.
The hearing before Justice Michael McDonald is expected to continue on Thursday.
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