Protection zones put in place around abortion services in England and Wales
Safe Access Zones are now in force around abortion clinics in England and Wales to protect women accessing these services.
Within these boundaries it is now a criminal offence to “intentionally or recklessly” influence a person’s decision to access the services, obstruct them, or cause harassment, alarm or distress.
The Government says the 150m boundary around all clinics and hospitals offering abortion services will have “a genuine impact in helping women feel safer”.
Police and prosecutors will consider each case individually based on the evidence.
However, this could include handing out anti-abortion leaflets, protesting against abortion rights, or shouting at individuals attempting to access abortion services.
This could also cover prayer, including silent prayer, holding vigils, or any behaviour where someone is intentionally trying to – or recklessly acting in a way that might – influence a person accessing the service.
Anyone found guilty of breaking the new laws will face an unlimited fine.
The Crown Prosecution Service has published guidance on Thursday (October 31), alongside further information from the College of Policing, setting out how the police and prosecutors should approach enforcing the new offence.
While operational decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, this new guidance will ensure there is “clarity and consistency” across the country, the Home Office said.
Crime and Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson said: “Access to healthcare is a fundamental right. Access to abortion services is a matter of healthcare. I’m confident that the safeguards we have put in place today will have a genuine impact in helping women feel safer and empowered to access the vital services they need.”
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips added: “Getting this measure up and running as soon as possible has been one of our priorities and I am proud of everyone involved in getting us here. The idea that any woman is made to feel unsafe or harassed for accessing health services, including abortion clinics is sickening. This stops today.”
The measure applies to any clinics and private hospitals that are approved under the Abortion Act 1967, and for any NHS hospital that has given notification in the current or previous calendar year that it has carried out abortions.
Safe access zones were introduced through the Public Order Act 2023, following a free vote in Parliament that received cross-party support.