‘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/

26.11.2023

anti-choice intimidation

anti-choice protesters

Public consultation begins in Scotland over buffer zone outside abortion clinics to block ‘harassment’ of women

Green MSP Gillian Mackay who has said the days of women facing "harassment" when seeking an abortion are "coming to an end."

MATT KERR
OCTOBER 27, 2023

PROPOSALS for a buffer zone around abortion services in Scotland will now go out to formal public consultation, it was announced today.

It marks the latest step for the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill, proposed by Green MSP Gillian Mackay, which would effectively ban protests within 200 metres of abortion facilities with unlimited fines for “serious breaches.”

Continued: https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/public-consultation-begins-scotland-over-buffer-zone-outside-abortion-clinics-block

27.10.2023

News

Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill

UK – Fury at year-long Home Office delay over protest buffer zones at UK abortion clinics

Suella Braverman accused by MP Stella Creasy of denying will of parliament in passing safe access law

Sian Norris
Sat 21 Oct 2023

Pro-choice MPs and activists have expressed their frustration at the government’s failure to implement a law on buffer zones around abortion clinics one year after 297 MPs voted in favour of the zones and as women face a new wave of protests when accessing reproductive care.

A Home Office spokesperson told the Observer that timelines would be confirmed “in due course” but refused to explain why the law was not yet in force and failed to confirm if a consultation on safe-access zones legislation had been launched.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/21/fury-at-year-long-home-office-delay-over-protest-buffer-zones-at-uk-abortion-clinics

UK – Women still being harassed at abortion clinics despite buffer zone law

'Safe access zones’ entered law in England and Wales in May but Home Office has delayed implementing them

Denis Campbell
Wed 18 Oct 2023

Women using abortion clinics are still being harassed despite MPs voting a year ago to create buffer zones to stop protesters intimidating them, medical and abortion groups say.

Suella Braverman, the home secretary, has failed to “commence” the legislation to introduce buffer zones in England and Wales, even though parliament approved the move on 18 October last year.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/18/women-harassed-abortion-clinics-england-wales-buffer-zone-law

Scotland – Bill to create buffer zones to stop anti-abortion groups protesting outside medical facilities backed by north MSP

By Gordon Calder
12 October 2023

A NORTH MSP has given her backing to a bill which would create buffer zones to stop anti-abortion groups from protesting outside medical centres.

Ariane Burgess, the Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands, has welcomed the publication of the bill to introduce safe access zones. The proposal comes from her party colleague Gillian Mackay.

Continued: https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/bill-to-create-buffer-zones-to-stop-anti-abortion-groups-pro-329556/

12.10.2023

Bill to ban protests at Scottish abortion centres published

Oct 6, 2023

A bill designed to stop protests outside Scotland's abortion clinics has been published at Holyrood. Green MSP Gillian Mackay's bill would set up "buffer zones" around the facilities, preventing people from gathering nearby.

It is likely to have cross-party support and is being backed by the Scottish government. Anti-abortion campaigners from the USA have said they will challenge any such law in the courts.

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-67021626

06.10.2023

News

40 days for life

Abortion Services Safe Access Zones (Scotland) Bill

anti-choice protesters

Ireland – Calls to urgently implement Safe Access Zones for abortion services after protests

Sun 1 Oct 2023

Michael Bolton

Healthcare workers, abortion campaign groups and members of the public have contacted the Department of Health calling for it to implement safe access zones for abortion services.

The Department received 19 requests for Safe Access Zones since January 2022, according to documents seen by breakingnews.ie under the Freedom of Information Act.

Protests held outside medical centres and hospitals, and targeting people accessing abortion services were of concern, according to emails sent to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

Continued: https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2023/10/01/calls-to-urgently-implement-safe-access-zones-for-abortion-services-after-protests/

01.10.2023

University Maternity Hospital Limerick

‘This is not the endgame’: abortion clinic buffer zones come into effect in Northern Ireland

‘I’ve been spat on, I’ve been abused,’ says former Green Party leader Clare Bailey, who used to volunteer at a private Belfast clinic

Seanín Graham
Sat Sep 30 2023

On one of Belfast’s busiest streets, Clare Bailey is blinking away tears. Looking up at signage attached to a lamp-post around the corner from an NHS clinic providing abortions, she breaks into a smile. Her daughter, Jude, insists on taking her photograph.

It is seven years since Bailey, a former Northern Ireland Green Party leader and Assembly member, tabled a Private Members’ Bill at Stormont calling for the introduction of so-called buffer zones to prevent anti-abortion protests and harassment outside healthcare facilities offering terminations.

Contiuned: https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2023/09/30/this-is-not-the-endgame-abortion-clinic-buffer-zones-comes-into-effect-in-northern-ireland/

Northern Ireland – Abortion protest buffer zones take effect in NI

Sept 29, 2023
By Jayne McCormack, BBC News NI political correspondent

Anti-abortion protests can no longer be held directly outside specific health clinics in Northern Ireland where abortions are carried out.

New laws creating "safe access zones" stopping protesters from gathering at the buildings have come into effect. The legislation was passed at Stormont in 2022.

It is illegal for people to be "impeded, recorded, influenced or to be caused harassment, alarm or distress" within the areas. It is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to £500.

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-66929864

29.09.2023