Buffer zones will come into force on Thursday around all clinics and hospitals providing abortions in England and Wales, making it a crime to “intentionally or recklessly” influence a person’s decision and obstruct access to those services.
The Home Office said in a statement the “safe access zones” would extend to a 150-metre radius to ensure women accessing abortion services were better protected from harassment and distress.
The bill began its passage through Parliament a year and a half ago but after heated debate draft guidance was produced and the measures were delayed by a public consultation.
Police and prosecutors will consider each breach individually but they could include handing out anti-abortion leaflets, protesting against abortion rights or shouting at individuals attempting to access abortion services.
Prayer, including silent prayers, and vigils could also be considered a criminal offence and anyone found guilty of breaking the new laws will be fined.
“The idea that any woman is made to feel unsafe or harassed for accessing health services, including abortion clinics is sickening,” said safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. “This stops today.”
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said:
“This is a tragic day for women facing unplanned pregnancies in need of support, and for their unborn babies.”
“Hundreds of women have received practical support from pro-life volunteers outside abortion clinics over the years, support that provided a real alternative to abortion.”
“The introduction of buffer zones today will criminalise offers of support outside abortion clinics. This support not only gives women a genuine choice but also helps those who may be facing coercion. Without this, many women will go through abortions they didn’t want and the lives of many more babies will be tragically lost to abortion”.
