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England and Wales Enforce 150-Meter Buffer Zones at Abortion Clinics, Punishable by Unlimited Fines

Oct 31, 2024, 05:50 AM

On Thursday, buffer zones around abortion clinics and hospitals in England and Wales have come into effect, creating 150-meter safe access zones to prevent anti-abortion campaigners from influencing or harassing individuals seeking or providing abortion services. Under the new law, it is a criminal offense punishable by an unlimited fine to intentionally or recklessly attempt to influence a person's decision within these zones. While 'silent prayer' is not automatically banned, breaches may still result in fines. Prohibited activities include handing out leaflets, holding vigils, and displaying graphic images near clinics. The UK Home Office stated that the policy aims to safeguard women from intimidation and harassment when accessing abortion services. Organizations such as BPAS and Sister Supporter, which have campaigned for nearly a decade under the #BackOff campaign, welcomed the implementation of the buffer zones.