Government sets date for “safe access zones” around abortion clinics
Protection zones with a 150 metres radius around abortion clinics will come into force from 31 October, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has said.
The measure will make it illegal for anyone to do anything that intentionally or recklessly influences someone’s decision to use abortion services, obstructs them, or causes harassment or distress to someone using or working at these premises.
Unlimited fines can be imposed for infringements and the College of Policing and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will publish guidance to ensure clarity and consistency with enforcement.
Phillips said: “The right to access abortion services is a fundamental right for women in this country, and no one should feel unsafe when they seek to access this.
“We will not sit back and tolerate harassment, abuse and intimidation as people exercise their legal right to healthcare, which is why we have fast-tracked this measure to get it up and running without further delay.”
Protection zones will be on or next to a public highway, in a publicly accessible open space, within land attached to an abortion clinic, or in a location visible from any of those areas.
The measure applies to any clinics and private hospitals approved under the Abortion Act 1967, and any NHS hospital that carries out abortions.
Several local authorities have imposed safe access zones around the clinics through the Public Order Act 2023.
In December 2023, the High Court ruled the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order near a clinic in Bournemouth was lawful.
Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology president Ranee Thakar urged the college and CPS not to include an exemption for silent prayer within the protection zone, which the previous government had promoted.
Bishop John Sherrington, lead bishop for life issues for the Catholic Bishops’ conference of England and Wales, said: “We condemn all harassment and intimidation of women and hold that, as was accepted in a Home Office Review, there are already laws and mechanisms in place to protect women from such behaviour.
“In practice, and despite any other intention, this legislation constitutes discrimination and disproportionately affects people of faith.”
He added: “As well as being unnecessary and disproportionate, we have deep concerns around the practical effectiveness of this legislation, particularly given the lack of clarity in relation to the practice of private prayer and offers of help within safe access zones.”
Mark Smulian
