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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Rowena Mason Whitehall editor

Ministers accused of watering down rules around abortion clinic buffer zones

Placards in support of safe buffer zones outside the Marie Stopes abortion clinic
New draft guidance by the Home Office appears to leave room for some approaches to be made to women within the safe zones. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Ministers have been accused of watering down guidance around new buffer zones outside abortion clinics in England and Wales, after it emerged campaigners could still be allowed to conduct silent prayers and approach women attending clinics to discuss the issue.

New draft guidance published by the Home Office has caused alarm among people who campaigned for the 150-metre safe zones, due to be introduced in the spring.

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