The Government has just announced when buffer zones will be enforced around abortion clinics in England and Wales. Section 9 of the Public Order Act will be in force from the 31st October 2024.

Minister Jess 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.”

This follows on from the Scottish Government announcing that their buffer zones law would come into force next week.

This is a dark day for democracy in this country. From 31st October, it will be a crime to pray against abortion, to offer women help, and, ludicrously, to attempt to “influence” someone on abortion within 150m of facilities that carry out abortions.

The Government’s press release continues:

“Anyone found guilty of breaking the law will face an unlimited fine. The College of Policing and Crown Prosecution Service will publish guidance for police and prosecutors ahead of 31st October, to ensure there is clarity and consistency with the enforcement of the new offence.”

Worryingly, this announcement has been made before the guidance has been published. While the guidance produced by the last Government was a reasonably liberal interpretation of the law, the rhetoric from Jess Phillips is not encouraging.

There is no “fundamental right” to abortion, whatever Ms Phillips might say, and there is nothing “pro-choice” about denying help to pregnant women.

We will be updating you on our response to this announcement in due course. In the meantime, you can use our MP tool to write to your MP, via the button below.