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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Haroon Siddique Legal affairs correspondent

Northern Ireland can create abortion clinic buffer zones, supreme court rules

People hold up placards and banners as they take part in a pro-choice rally in Belfast in 2021
People hold up placards and banners as they take part in a pro-choice rally in Belfast in 2021. Photograph: David Young/PA

The Northern Ireland assembly can legislate to create buffer zones around abortion clinics to protect users and staff, the UK’s highest court has ruled.

The supreme court’s unanimous judgment means the assembly can proceed with the abortion services (safe access zones) (Northern Ireland) bill, which criminalises people who enter the specified areas and influence people attending clinics.

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