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.
It says: “The term ‘influence’ is not defined in the statute and therefore takes its ordinary dictionary meaning. The government would expect ‘influence’ to require more than mere mention of abortion or the provision of information. As such, informing, discussing, or offering help, does not necessarily amount to ‘influence’.”
I wonder if that's a definition the government's own notorious 'nudge' unit would subscribe to?
But no matter, it was always an absurdity to throw the weight of the state against people for silently praying for what they consider to be wrongdoers. And since it's guidance and not law, are they not free to ignore it anyway?
Healthcare workers are being told not to report women to the police if they believe their patients may have illegally ended their own pregnancy. The Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (RCOG) says "deeply traumatised" women are being prosecuted following abortions.
The new guidance follows a recent rise in police investigations into abortions. The RCOG says these cases are rare, however, and it is encouraging women to seek medical help if needed. NHS staff can breach confidentiality rules to give information to the police about possible crimes, but only if it is in the "public interest".
The RCOG says it is "never" in the public interest to report women who have abortions, and that they must be safeguarded.
Looks like they are! So, how's that sauce, goose? The gander loved it.
