Religious Activity Near Abortion Services in Northern Ireland May Now Be a Criminal Offence

On July 2, the Northern Ireland Policing Board published a written answer—drafted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)—that interprets the Abortion Services Act 2023’s “protected area.” The Act creates a 100-metre buffer around every entrance and exit of an abortion clinic or hospital abortion service, with a possible extension of another 150 metres. Within this zone, anyone whose conduct “harasses, alarms or distresses” a person seeking or providing abortion care can be prosecuted, regardless of whether the impact is direct or indirect. The PSNI guidance states that carrying a Bible, reading scripture aloud, or praying beside a patient inside the buffer may constitute an offence if a reasonable observer would view the behaviour as influencing the individual’s choice.

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Abortion was decriminalised in Northern Ireland when Westminster-passed reforms took effect at midnight on 1 January 2020, and the same legislation introduced same-sex marriage. The buffer-zone provisions were added in 2023 to protect patients, companions and staff from intimidation. Most hospital wards lie outside the protected radius, so routine pastoral care generally remains unaffected unless it occurs in connection with abortion services.

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The PSNI emphasised that the policy “is not seeking to police religion or lawful pastoral care” and that “freedom of religion and of expression are qualified rights.” It advised individuals to obtain independent legal advice if uncertain about their activities. Former Green Party assembly member Clare Bailey, who championed the buffer-zone legislation, told BBC Radio Ulster that the law is proving “very effective and very clear.” The guidance follows the 2019 conviction of retired Baptist pastor Clive Johnson, who was fined £450 for an open-air service near Causeway Hospital; Johnson is appealing with support from the Christian Institute, which warns that the wording could capture ordinary ministry.

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The Christian Institute argues that the Act’s language may unintentionally criminalise everyday religious practice, such as carrying religious material through public hospital areas. Critics contend that the “reasonable observer” test is vague and could chill lawful pastoral work, creating a clash between the right to access abortion services and the right to free religious expression.

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• “is not seeking to police religion or lawful pastoral care.” — PSNI spokesperson, Fox News Digital

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• “ They added that freedom of religion and of expression are qualified rights.” — PSNI spokesperson

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• “Each assessment is fact-specific, the spokesperson said, turning on behaviour rather than on religious items or a person’s role.” — PSNI spokesperson

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• “very effective and very clear.” — Clare Bailey, former Green Party assembly member

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• “Anyone unsure of their position is told to seek independent legal advice.” — PSNI guidance document

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