Abortion buffer zones came into force today outside abortion clinics in England and Wales following the Government’s announcement last month, criminalising offering vital support to women, and amid confusion about precisely what activities are prohibited outside abortion clinics.
Section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023, which came into force today, makes “influencing” any person who wants to access an abortion clinic illegal. This vague term has left campaigners concerned that this Bill could make silent prayer illegal as well as consensual communication.
The abortion buffer zones have come into force alongside guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that is likely to cause some confusion about precisely which activities are prohibited outside abortion clinics.
While listing a series of activities that may be prohibited by the Act, including “informing, advising, offering counselling, or attempting to persuade someone in relation to the use of abortion facilities”, “handing out leaflets with information” on abortion and even “silent prayer”, the CPS guidance also states that “a person who carries out any of these activities within a safe access zone will not necessarily commit a criminal offence”.
Prosecuted for thoughtcrime
Local buffer zones are already being subjected to legal challenges with one woman, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, arrested twice for silently praying outside an abortion clinic, receiving a £13,000 payout in acknowledgement of her unjust treatment.
A military veteran, Adam Smith-Connor, who prayed silently near an abortion clinic in Bournemouth for his son whom he lost through an abortion that he had paid for, has been found guilty of breaching a local abortion buffer zone in Bournemouth. This has been described as a “thoughtcrime” and “the first conviction of its kind in modern British history”.
Earlier today Smith-Connor announced he would be appealing the Court’s decision.
In another ongoing case, a pensioner from Dorset, Livia Tossici-Bolt, is also being prosecuted for holding up a sign within an abortion clinic buffer zone reading “Here to talk if you want”.
Hundreds of women helped outside abortion clinics
Hundreds of women have been helped outside abortion clinics by pro-life volunteers who have provided them with practical support, which made it clear to them that they had another option other than going through with the abortion.
Mothers in the UK who have benefited from those offering assistance, including help with rent/housing, providing maternity and baby clothes, and financial support, outside abortion clinics have launched the campaign Be Here For Me, which includes testimonies from many of the mothers involved. Here they document the support they were offered outside of abortion clinics by pro-life volunteers, highlighting that buffer zones would ban support where it is needed most.
From today, this vital practical support provided by volunteers outside abortion clinics will be removed for women. A Home Office press release states “Anyone found guilty of breaking the law will face an unlimited fine”.
Polling shows public does not support law change
Polling undertaken by Savanta shows that only 21% of the population supports introducing ‘buffer’ zones around abortion clinics nationwide. Support was lowest among 18-34-year-olds, with only 15% supporting nationwide buffer zones.
The polling also showed that among the general population, the majority support either having no restrictions on speaking about the issue of abortion outside abortion clinics or support restrictions in line with legislation in place before this new law.
Various human rights groups and campaigners, some of whom support abortion access, oppose the introduction of buffer zones, including prominent human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, Big Brother Watch, Index on Censorship, Liberty, the Freedom Association, and the Manifesto Club.
Current laws already provide wide-ranging powers for authorities to keep public order and protect women and the public from genuine harassment and intimidation, including outside abortion clinics.
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said “This is a tragic day for women facing unplanned pregnancies in need of support, and for their unborn babies”.
“Hundreds of women have received practical support from pro-life volunteers outside abortion clinics over the years, support that provided a real alternative to abortion”.
“The introduction of buffer zones today will criminalise offers of support outside abortion clinics. This support not only gives women a genuine choice but also helps those who may be facing coercion. Without this, many women will go through with abortions they didn’t want and the lives of many more babies will be tragically lost to abortion”.
