The new regulation is part of the Public Order Act of 2023, which was passed by the previous Conservative government but had not been enforced until now.

The introduction of these zones follows increased protests outside clinics, particularly after the previous government's inaction despite MPs voting for them in October 2022.

Bishop John Sherrington criticized the law as a setback for religious freedoms, asserting that public manifestations of belief should be allowed outside abortion facilities.

The UK division of the Alliance Defending Freedom argues that banning silent prayer threatens basic human rights and characterizes the buffer zones as detrimental to British freedoms.

Pro-choice activists contend that even silent prayer could intimidate women seeking services, while protesters claim it infringes on their rights to religious freedom and expression.

Violators of the buffer zone regulations could face unlimited fines, emphasizing the seriousness of compliance with the new law.

Women have shared personal accounts of feeling intimidated by pro-life activists outside clinics, reinforcing the need for protective measures against such protests.

Legal abortion has been available in England since 1967, and the number of abortions reached a record high of 251,377 in 2022, reflecting ongoing societal debates around reproductive rights.

As of October 31, 2024, abortion clinics in England and Wales are protected by 'safe access zones' established under the Public Order Act, which restricts anti-abortion protests within a 150-meter radius.

This legislation criminalizes actions that intentionally or recklessly influence someone's decision regarding abortion services or cause harassment within these designated zones.

The buffer zones make it illegal to hinder or harass users or staff of abortion clinics, reflecting a significant shift in the legal landscape surrounding reproductive rights.

Rachael Clarke from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service expressed relief at the implementation of these buffer zones after a decade of campaigning for such protections.