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

N. Ireland – Abortion: Two arrests under new protest buffer zone law

Oct 4, 2023
By Maria McCann, BBC News NI north-east reporter

Two people have been arrested at an anti-abortion protest outside the Causeway Hospital near Coleraine, County Londonderry.

The man and woman allegedly refused to leave the established safe access zone on Tuesday morning, police said.

New legislation came into effect last week to stop protestors gathering directly outside health settings where abortions take place.

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-67007413

04.10.2023

News

Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act (Northern Ireland) 2023

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

Anger at speed of progress on buffer zones at abortion clinics

Sept 27, 2023
By Craig Williams, BBC Scotland

Pro-choice activists are calling on MSPs to speed up the creation of buffer zones around Scotland's abortion clinics.

The Scottish government is backing a bill which would ban anti-abortion groups from gathering outside clinics.

But campaigners for buffer zones say Scotland is being left behind the rest of the UK.

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-66889551

Northern Ireland – Abortion clinic buffer zones to start from Friday

Sept 25, 2023

Exclusion zones set up to block anti-abortion protests outside health clinics in Northern Ireland will be introduced on Friday. The "safe access zones," will be in areas across the five health trusts.

Legislation to set up the zones at clinics where abortions are carried out was passed at Stormont last year. The Department of Health said they are to "protect women and girls accessing abortion services, information, advice and counselling, and protect staff".

Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-66917236

25.09.2023

News

Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act (Northern Ireland) 2023

anti-choice protesters

UK – Inside the anti-abortion protests plaguing clinics amid buffer zone delays

Anti-abortion protests and calls to the police have ramped up since so-called buffer zones were voted in, writes Maya Oppenheim

Sept 16, 2023
Maya Oppenheim

Standing outside a Chinese takeaway plastered with funfair adverts in south London, two women can be seen clutching pink and blue plastic rosary beads as they solemnly recite prayers under their breath. In front of them, a framed print of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is strapped to an easel next to a sign which reads “Love them both” and a photo of a smiling baby.

“Pregnant, Need Help?” another poster reads. “Housing Help, Financial support, Moral support offered here, Just ask us or call 0800 096 2518”. The women have set up camp opposite an abortion clinic in Brixton to protest against terminations being legal in the UK. Across a busy road, another member of their group stands directly outside the clinic clasping leaflets to hand to those going inside.

Continued: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/anti-abortion-protests-buffer-zones-b2409985.html