DAWN Purvis is leaving her high-profile job as programme director of Belfast's Marie Stopes clinic after three years.
The former PUP leader last night insisted her decision was not linked to a harassment case brought against anti-abortion campaigner Bernie Smyth.
Ms Smyth was convicted and sentenced last December.
Speaking to The Irish News, Ms Purvis (48) admitted, however, that it had been a "stressful" time personally.
"It went on for over a year and it's still going on with the appeal coming up. But I was very happy with the outcome and judge's comments," she said.
The east Belfast woman added that her concern remained for the women who access the centre's services at its Great Victoria Street premises.
"Nothing is directed towards me now but it's our clients who are harassed on a weekly basis... it's no secret we are looking for new premises."
There was controversy when the centre opened in 2012 and became the first private clinic to offer early medical abortions under strict controls.
Ms Purvis said demand for its support and advice services are high, with more than 600 women in contact last year - four times the number during their first year.
While she said she has no job to go to and is open to exploring new challenges", she hasn't ruled out a return to politics.
"I don't think I'll be returning right now but never say never," she said.
The mother-of-two will retain links with Marie Stopes by sitting on the Belfast clinic's advisory board.
She said she was delighted to be part of the team and was "proud" of the services they had established.
Genevieve Edwards, director of policy for Marie Stopes UK, said: "We were so lucky to have Dawn and wish her every success in whatever she chooses to do.
"The support for the clinic since it opened in very challenging circumstances has been heartening and a source of great comfort and pride for our staff and volunteers.
"We are now actively recruiting for Dawn's successor to lead us into the next phase of the clinic's journey."