Law barring protests, demonstrations around Manitoba abortion clinics coming into effect
Bill establishes 50-metre buffer zones around clinics, residences of abortion clinic workers
A new law coming into effect Saturday will ban protests in a buffer zone near abortion clinics in Manitoba.
The legislation, titled the Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, was introduced by Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine in March last year and passed by the NDP government in June.
The bill creates a buffer zone of at least 50 metres, which can later be extended by the government up to 150 metres, around facilities whose main purpose is to provide abortions, starting Feb. 1.
Other facilities that provide surgical or medical abortion services, including hospitals, pharmacies and doctors' offices, have the option to request a buffer zone.
People are prohibited from protesting, demonstrating or picketing within buffer zones, in an effort to protect patients and providers from harassment and intimidation, the province said in a Friday news release.
The new law also establishes buffer zones around the residences of those who work in abortion clinics, the province said.
Physicians and pharmacists who provide access to Mifegymiso, a non-surgical option for early abortion, will also be protected under the legislation.
Similar buffer zone legislation already exists in some other provinces, including B.C., Ontario and Alberta.