A national ‘buffer zone’ law went into effect across England and Wales on October 31, stating that “it is an offensive to intentionally or recklessly influence a person as to whether or not they seek abortion services, whilst within a 150m radius of a clinic”.

This is part of a public order law passed in 2023 but its implementation was delayed, due to debates over whether silent prayers were permitted or likely to be viewed as protest or intimidation.

The activities prohibited within the zones include, not only violent offences such as spitting, threats, assaults and verbal abuse, but also a range of non-violent activities as:

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  informing, advising, offering counselling, or attempting to persuade someone in relation to the use of abortion facilities;

  
  


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  handing out leaflets with information or misinformation on abortions;

  
  


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  holding bibles or foetal dolls;

  
  


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  displaying images of foetuses or babies;

  
  


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  singing around religious pictures;

  
  


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  holding a vigil or praying, including silent prayer.

  
  

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said that the rule “would protect vulnerable women”.

“The idea that any woman is made to feel unsafe or harassed for accessing health services, including abortion clinics is sickening. This stops today”, she added.

People who breach the law could face an unlimited fine. Similar measures are already in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Silent prayer “will not necessarily be a criminal offence”

On the day the new law was rolled out, the Crown Prosecution Services (CPS) released new guidelines that clarify that a person carrying out activities within a zone such as silent prayer "will not necessarily commit a criminal offence”.

“Prosecutors will need to consider not only all the facts and circumstances of the particular conduct, but also the context in which the conduct takes place”, underlined the CPS.

Abortion is legally permitted before 24 weeks in England, Scotland, and Wales, provided that two doctors authorize the procedure. Women who seek late term abortions after 24 weeks risk facing criminal prosecution under the Offences against the Person Act 1861.

Reactions

Pro-life activist Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, director of March for Life UK, who recently received compensation after police officers arrested her for praying near an abortion clinic, said that the decision to pass the law a “national disgrace”.

Today, 31st October 2024, Buffer Zones around every Abortion Centre in England and Wales are to be implemented. this is a 'National Disgrace', please watch March for Life UK's statement in response to this and give it a share. pic.twitter.com/Ufi0Nhc4qm

— March4LifeUK (@March4LifeUK) October 31, 2024

Army veteran and pro-life demonstrator Adam Smith-Connor, who was recently convicted of silently praying, also pointed out in a post on X that “as buffer zones are rolled out across the nation, and CPS guidance concedes that silent prayer is ‘not necessarily’ a criminal offense, I’m pleased to confirm I’m appealing against my conviction”.

As buffer zones are rolled out across the nation,&CPS guidance concedes that silent prayer is "not necessarily" a criminal offence,I'm pleased to confirm I’m appealing against my conviction.



If you want to support my appeal visit:https://t.co/mnd807wp0v pic.twitter.com/BonMHZ5GV3

— Adam Smith-Connor (@ChooseLifeSoton) October 31, 2024

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