Abortion clinic protection zones begin in England and Wales
By Reuters
LONDON, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Buffer zones will come into force
on Thursday 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.
"The idea that any woman is made to feel unsafe or harassed for accessing health services, including abortion clinics is sickening," said safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. "This stops today."
Most abortions in England, Wales and Scotland are carried out before 24 weeks of pregnancy. They can be carried out after 24 weeks in very limited circumstances, such as when a woman's life is at risk or there is a serious foetal abnormality.
The law, which women's rights groups have longed called for,
was initially approved by parliament last year.
"safe access zones"
Not for the children murdered!!!
Prayer, including silent prayers, and vigils could also be considered a criminal offence.
Bastards!
GENE
"The idea that any woman is made to feel unsafe or harassed for accessing health services, including abortion clinics is sickening," said safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. "This stops today."
ReplyDeleteBitch.
Mary Winterbourne