Abortion clinics in England and Wales will be encircled by protective perimeters to deter protestors against the practice and ensure women are not subjected to harassment, the government revealed on Wednesday.
These 'buffer zones', set to be established from October 31, will span up to 150 metres around clinics. It will also be unlawful for anyone to intentionally or recklessly influence someone's decision to use abortion services, according to the interior ministry.
Jess Phillips, minister for the prevention of violence against women and girls, emphasized that 'the right to access abortion services is a fundamental right for women in this country, and no one should feel unsafe when they seek to access this.' She further stated, 'We will not tolerate harassment, abuse, and intimidation as people exercise their legal right to healthcare.'
A Christian preacher was convicted in February after protesting within a buffer zone—the first of its kind—established by the local council in west London. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge, meaning he could face resentencing if he commits further crimes, and was ordered to pay £2,426 ($3,100) in court costs.
Abortion advocates had long called for national legislation to create buffer zones. The law was passed in 2023 but its implementation was postponed under the previous Conservative government due to debates over silent prayers. Anti-abortion groups contend that banning such prayers infringed on freedom of expression and religious belief.
The Crown Prosecution Service, which determines whether to initiate court action in England and Wales, will soon outline what activities will be permitted and prohibited within the buffer zones to clarify the new offense, according to the Home Office. Offenders will face fines.
