Silent prayer outside abortion clinics to be banned next month

Buffer zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales will come into effect from 31 October. These zones, extending 150 metres around clinics, will make it illegal to distribute anti-abortion leaflets or obstruct those using or working at the clinics. Violators could face unlimited fines.

The law, passed in May 2023, is designed to prevent harassment and intimidation of women accessing abortion services. However, concerns have been raised about the inclusion of silent prayer within the scope of the law, which could also be prohibited. Guidance for police and prosecutors on enforcement will be issued soon.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips stated, "No-one should feel unsafe when they seek to access [abortion services]”. Conversely, anti-abortion campaigners argue that the zones will prevent women from receiving practical support outside clinics.

A similar buffer zone law was introduced in Northern Ireland last year, and Scotland will implement its own from 24 September. Ealing council, west London, first established a buffer zone around a clinic in 2018, setting a precedent for the new legislation.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales criticised the law, calling it a threat to religious freedoms, including the right to pray outside abortion facilities.