ABORTION CLINIC PROTECTION ZONES BEGIN IN ENGLAND AND WALES – Prayer, including silent prayers, and vigils could be considered a criminal offence.
Buffer zones will come into force today around all clinics and hospitals providing abortions in England and Wales, making it a crime to “intentionally or recklessly” influence a person’s decision and obstruct access to those services.
Britain’s interior ministry, the Home Office, said in a statement the “safe access zones” would extend to a 150-metre radius to ensure women accessing abortion services were better protected from harassment and distress.
Police and prosecutors will consider each breach individually but they could include handing out anti-abortion leaflets, protesting against abortion rights or shouting at individuals attempting to access abortion services.
Prayer, including silent prayers, and vigils could also be considered a criminal offence. Anyone found guilty of breaking the new laws will be fined.
