Abortion clinics – safe access zones

Last year Parliament voted to introduce legislation to prohibit protests within 150 metres of an abortion clinic or hospital providing abortion services. This falls under section 9 of the Public Order Act 2023, anticipated to commence in full effect no later than spring 2024.

A public consultation was launched on the implementation of safe access zones around abortion clinics. This is to ensure that safe access zones are implemented appropriately as well as to seek non-statutory guidance ensuring law enforcement agencies have a clear and uniform view on enforcement measures. This will inform not only abortion service providers but also protesters about the expectations under the new law.

At the end of the consultation, the responses will be considered before guidance is published.

• Read more about the public consultation