UK – Retired scientist prosecuted for holding up ‘here to talk’ sign outside abortion clinic

Former medical researcher accused of breaching ‘buffer zone’ and public space protection order when attending clinic

Charles Hymas
9 March 2024

A retired medical scientist is being prosecuted in a free speech test case after holding up a sign near an abortion clinic saying: “Here to talk if you want to.”

Livia Tossici-Bolt, 62, who worked at Southampton’s University Hospital Trust as a medical researcher, has been accused of breaching a “buffer zone” when she attended the abortion clinic in Bournemouth.

Continued: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/03/09/retired-scientist-free-speech-case-abortion-clinic/


Manitoba introduces law to create protest-free zones near abortion clinics

People seeking abortion services deserve privacy and safety, families minister says

The Canadian Press
Mar 07, 2024

The Manitoba government plans to restrict protests near clinics and hospitals where abortions are performed, as well as at the homes of abortion providers.

The NDP government introduced a bill Thursday that, if passed, would create "buffer zones" of 50 metres to 150 metres around related health facilities and staff homes. Several provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec, already have similar laws in place.

Continued: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/abortion-protest-restrictions-manitoba-legislation-1.7137091


Scotland – Buffer zones required outside abortion clinics to stop women suffering

It is time for the Scottish Government to approve the legislation for legally enforced zones, says Record View.

5 Feb 2024

The legalisation of abortion in the UK in 1967 was a landmark moment.

It marked the culmination of decades of campaigning and allowed women to undergo the procedure through the NHS.

It ended the need for people to rely on unregulated and often dangerous private practitioners.

Continued: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/buffer-zones-required-outside-abortion-32046188


UK – MPs fear watering down of buffer zone rules at abortion clinics

A Labour and Tory MP will later appeal to the home secretary to rethink guidance that will still allow "silent prayer" and protesters to approach vulnerable women.

Serena Barker-Singh
Thursday 1 February 2024

Cross-party MPs will meet with the home secretary today to query the government's plans allowing protesters to engage in "silent prayer" and approach women with leaflets inside buffer zones around abortion clinics.

Despite MPs voting over a year ago to ban these activities, draft guidance released by the Home Office now appears to water down the laws, campaigners have said.

Continued: https://news.sky.com/story/mps-fear-watering-down-of-buffer-zone-rules-at-abortion-clinics-13060906


Religious exemptions to abortion buffer zones law could ‘overturn will of Parliament’

18 January, 2024
Humanists UK

The UK Government has proposed draft guidance for Abortion Safe Access Zones that would effectively overturn the will of Parliament through expansive religious loopholes which would render the legislation incapable of protecting women from abuse and harassment.

In 2022 and 2023, in a resolute response to escalating harassment of women at the hands of evangelical protesters outside abortion clinics, the UK Parliament voted overwhelmingly to establish Safe Access Zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales. These zones were expressly intended to protect women from a barrage of bullying and psychological abuse as they sought access to clinics, ensuring their right to medical care in a safe and dignified environment.

Continued: https://humanists.uk/2024/01/18/religious-exemptions-to-abortion-buffer-zones-law-could-overturn-will-of-parliament/


UK – Ministers accused of watering down rules around abortion clinic buffer zones

Campaigners could still be allowed to conduct silent prayers and approach women attending clinics in England and Wales

Rowena Mason Whitehall editor
Wed 17 Jan 2024

Ministers have been accused of watering down guidance around new buffer zones outside abortion clinics in England and Wales, after it emerged campaigners could still be allowed to conduct silent prayers and approach women attending clinics to discuss the issue.

New draft guidance published by the Home Office has caused alarm among people who campaigned for the 150-metre safe zones, due to be introduced in the spring.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/17/ministers-accused-of-watering-down-rules-around-buffer-zones-outside-abortion-clinics


N. Ireland – Abortion: PSNI investigate safe access zone protest law breaches

18th December 2023
By Elaine McGee, BBC News NI

The police are investigating up to 50 potential breaches of laws providing safe access zones (SAZs) outside abortion clinics in Northern Ireland. The zones came into effect in September at eight clinics in Northern Ireland.

More incidents were reported at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine than any other site, police figures show. That has prompted pro-choice campaigners and some local politicians to call for the zones to be extended by up to 250m (820ft).

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-67749785


UK Government consults on Safe Access Zones around abortion clinics

Public consultation launched on the implementation of Safe Access Zones around abortion clinics.

Home Office and The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP
11 December 2023

The government has launched a public consultation on the implementation of Safe Access Zones around abortion clinics.

During passage of the Public Order Act 2023 last year, Parliament voted to introduce legislation to prohibit protests within 150 metres of an abortion clinic or hospital that provides abortion services. We anticipate commencing Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023 no later than Spring 2024.

Continued: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-consults-on-safe-access-zones-around-abortion-clinics


‘This Victorian-era law isn’t fit for purpose’: Is abortion finally going to be decriminalised?

People who get an abortion beyond legal time limits can face criminal prosecution in England and Wales. Labour MPs are out to change that

CHARLOTTE ELTON
2 Dec 2023

Abortion could soon be decriminalised in England and Wales, as MPs consider overhauling a “cruel” 162-year-old law.

People who get an abortion beyond legal time limits can face criminal prosecution in England and Wales.

Five women have faced this charge in English courts over the past year – up from four in total over the previous 55 years.

Continued: https://www.bigissue.com/life/health/abortion-law-decriminalised-england-wales/


Scotland – Kate Forbes accused of ‘ignorant’ comments after defending silent prayer near abortion clinics

The Highlands MSP and former SNP finance secretary was criticised by buffer zone campaign group Back off Scotland.

by Alasdair Clark
November 26 2023

Campaigners have accused SNP MSP Kate Forbes of making “ignorant comments” after she defended silent prayer outside of abortion clinics.

Ms Forbes shared her views on the upcoming Holyrood legislation which could see buffer zones imposed around clinics.

If backed by MSPs, the bill would prevent protest within 200 metres of medical facilities.

Continued: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/6271447/kate-forbes-silent-prayer-abortion-clinics/