Much-needed new measures protecting abortion clinics and those accessing them will come into force in the UK from 31 October 2024, the government has announced.

Charity MSI Reproductive Choices had warned that abortion clinics across the country will once again be targeted by US-based anti-choice group 40 Days for Life from 25 September, when the group begins its biannual campaign to protest against those attending clinics, all day and night until 3 November.

Now, ‘safe access buffer zones’ will make it illegal for anyone to do anything that intentionally or recklessly influences someone’s decision to use abortion services, obstructs them or causes harassment or distress to someone using or working at these premises.

The law – which makes it illegal to hand out anti-abortion leaflets within the buffer zone or obstruct anyone using or working at an abortion clinic – was initially approved by parliament in May 2023 but will now come into effect at the end of October.

Abortion ‘safe zones’ are being introduced in the UK to protect women from harassment