Canadian province bans protests outside abortion clinics

'Safe zones' outside clinics in Ontario to prevent pro-choice activists from harassing and intimidating women seeking accessing service

New law will create 50-metre “safe zones” outside the eight clinics in the state of Ontario, as well as pharmacies that sell pregnancy–ending pills and the homes of staff who work there (Getty)

A Canadian province has banned protests outside abortion clinics in a move aimed at preventing pro-choice activists from harassing and intimidating women accessing the service.

Legislature passed on Wednesday will create 50-metre “safe zones” outside the eight clinics in the state of Ontario, as well as pharmacies that sell pregnancy–ending pills and the homes of staff who work there.

In addition to the zone around clinic staff’s residence, the law will protect clinic staff from “harassment” everywhere they go in Ontario.

Those convicted of violating the law will face a fine of up to £3,000 Canadian dollars (£1,800) or $5,000 (£3,000) and up to six months in prison for a first offence. For subsequent offences the fine could exceed $10,000 (£6,100) and up to one year in jail.

After the bill was passed, Ontario’s Attorney General Yasir Naqvi said it was a “very important” piece of legislation that would help protect women, ensuring they have safe access to health-care services like reproductive health and abortion services.

He previously said he was moved to act when a woman was spat on outside an Ottawa clinic where protesters frequently gather, carrying graphic signs and chanting slogans.

Several other Canadian provinces, British Columbia, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have already enacted the safe access zone laws.

It comes after a London council made a ground-breaking decision to pursue the possibility of implementing the same measure after reports that women were being “terrorised” as they entered the Marie Stopes clinic in Ealing.

Pro-choice campaign groups presented the council with accounts from residents about protesters trying to stop women from entering the clinic and showed leaflets distributed by the groups telling women that they would regret their action.

The decision was overwhelming passed by the Labour-controlled council. Out of the 69 councillors present all voted in favour of the motion bar two who abstained. The motion is now being put to a public consultation.