UK to Introduce Buffer Zones to Protect Abortion Clinics from Protests and Harassment

Starting from the end of October, the British government will implement protection zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales to curb harassment of women utilizing these services. The new measures aim to create a buffer zone of 150 meters, or nearly 500 feet, around clinics and hospitals providing abortion services.

Prohibitions and Penalties

Within this designated buffer zone, it will be illegal to conduct protests, distribute anti-abortion leaflets, or obstruct individuals attempting to access the clinic. Violators of these regulations will face severe penalties, including the possibility of facing unlimited fines. The implementation of these measures comes in response to a noted increase in protests at clinics in the UK, following the global trend of diminishing legal access to abortion.

Context and Legal Framework

As a comparison, abortion access has faced restrictions in several countries worldwide, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Abortion providers and academics in Britain have reported an uptick in protests at clinics, prompting the government to take decisive action in the form of the newly established protection zones.

Abortion Regulations in England and Wales

Within England and Wales, the legal framework surrounding abortion permits the procedure up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, contingent upon approval from two doctors. Additionally, abortions can only be performed in licensed clinics or National Health Service hospitals. Beyond the 24-week mark, abortions may only be carried out if the mother's life is at risk or if the fetus presents severe abnormalities.