Buffer zone
The Latest
‘Buffer zone’ law banning anti-abortion protests goes into effect in England and Wales
The law makes “interference with any person’s decision to access, provide, or facilitate the provision of abortion services” within 500... Read more
Nearly 60,000 join call for UK prime minister to safeguard right to pray silently
The letter, circulated by Alliance Defending Freedom UK, notes that buffer zone laws “have quickly become thought- and speech-restricting ‘censorship... Read more
UK bishops warn new Public Order Act unfairly affects people of faith
Bishops of England and Wales have condemned legislation relating to prayer outside abortion clinics, saying it represents a step backward... Read more
New bill introduces world’s most extreme abortion buffer zone law to Scotland
The bill, if passed, would make any form of pro-life outreach or demonstration within 656 feet of an abortion clinic... Read more
Woman arrested for silent prayer at UK abortion clinics gets police apology
Isabel Vaughan-Spruce has received a police apology and confirmation that she will not face charges for violating a local “buffer... Read more
UK home secretary tells police that ‘silent prayer’ is not a crime
Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s comments follow several arrests of pro-life activists for praying outside of abortion clinics. Read more
![Adam Smith-Connor was fined for “praying for [his] son, who is deceased” near an abortion facility in Bournemouth, England.](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/storage/image/adam-praying-scaled.jpg?w=220&h=165)
UK man fined for praying outside abortion clinic now faces criminal charges
Authorities have filed criminal charges against Adam Smith-Connor, who was fined in 2022 for praying silently within an abortion facility... Read more
UK bishops say law criminalizing prayer outside of abortion clinics is discriminatory
Catholic bishops in the United Kingdom said a new law criminalizing prayer and outreach outside abortion clinics discriminates against people... Read more
Pro-life groups challenge Louisville buffer-zone ordinance
Pro-life groups this week challenged a “buffer zone” ordinance approved by the city of Louisville, Kentucky. Read more
Mississippi pro-lifers file suit against abortion clinic protest restrictions
Pro-life advocates in Jackson, Mississippi have filed a lawsuit against a new city ordinance that would restrict protesters’ ability to... Read more
Don't muzzle peaceful pro-life outreach, UK bishop says
Proposals to bar pro-life demonstrations and outreach with a legal ‘buffer zone’ outside abortion clinics drew objections from a leading... Read more
