England and Wales are tightening security measures around abortion clinics, Aleteia.org reported, amid a series of incidents.
The UK has introduced new rules for spaces outside abortion clinics, banning all protests within a 150m radius.
These new “buffer zones“ come as a result of the Public Order Act passed in 2023, and those who breach the zone could face hefty fines with no upper limit.
There have been recent cases in the UK of Christians being arrested for standing silently near an abortion clinic and mentally praying.
According to Reuters, the law prohibits "intentional or reckless" influencing a woman's decision to enter an abortion clinic. Some of the things that could be interpreted as influencing this decision are spreading anti-abortion information, protesting against abortion, yelling at those trying to enter a clinic, and even silent prayer.
The prosecutor's office pointed out that the silent prayer “is not necessarily“ criminal offense and stated that each case must be assessed individually.
It's hard to understand how someone who chooses to say their prayers right in front of an abortion clinic can claim they're not trying to influence people – and there are countless testimonials from women who say it makes them feel anxious, said a supporter of abortion as an option. On the other side, opinions are heard that religious freedom includes the right to publicly express one's personal beliefs through testimony, prayer and charity.