MPs back plans for abortion clinic buffer zones in England and Wales

Protesters hold an anti-abortion vigil outside the Marie Stopes clinic in Ealing, west London, in April 2018, when a buffer zone was established. Photograph: Alice Ritchie/AFP/Getty Images

MPs have backed proposals to enforce buffer zones around abortion clinics in England and Wales.

Under the proposed law, harassing, obstructing or interfering with any woman attending an abortion clinic will become a criminal offence. Protesters found guilty of breaching the buffer zones – which would extend 150 metres from the clinics – could face up to six months in jail.