A quiet but potent international row has emerged after a retired medical scientist, Livia Tossici-Bolt, went on trial in England for allegedly breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) outside an abortion clinic. Her case has prompted remarks from senior US figures, placing a spotlight on the UK’s approach to abortion clinic “buffer zones”.
The 64-year-old was charged with remaining inside a designated “safe access zone” near the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) clinic on Ophir Road, Bournemouth, while holding a sign reading “Here to talk, if you want”. She claims she’s “been dragged through court merely for offering consensual conversation”. A verdict is expected this Friday at Poole Magistrates’ Court.
US intervention
The US Department of State, via its Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour (DRL), confirmed that one of its advisers had met Tossici-Bolt and said it was “monitoring” her case. The DRL emphasised the importance of the UK respecting freedom of expression.
The issue was also raised in February by US Vice President JD Vance during a speech at the Munich Security Conference. He cited the case of Adam Smith-Connor – another British man convicted for breaching a similar buffer zone – as an example of how “free speech, I fear, is in retreat” across Europe.
UK government response
The British Government was quick to respond. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, a practicing Christian, said he “strongly disagreed” with the US Vice President’s comments. “No-one is arrested for what they are praying about,” Reynolds said, emphasising that the zones are about ensuring people can access abortion care “free of intimidation or harassment”.
Reynolds added that access to healthcare is “an important British value too,” rejecting claims that free speech is being unduly curtailed.
Understanding buffer zones
Buffer zones—also referred to as “safe access zones”—are areas surrounding abortion clinics where specific activities are restricted to protect patients and staff. There are two types of zones in the UK: those enacted by local councils under PSPOs, and those implemented nationally through legislation.
Tossici-Bolt is being prosecuted under the local PSPO introduced by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council in October 2022. The order restricts certain activities in the area between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, following reports of “detrimental behaviour” affecting clinic visitors and staff.
A two-month consultation by the council showed “clear” public support for the PSPO. At the time, Councillor Bobbie Dove acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but noted the need to weigh that against the harm caused to those accessing medical services.
National legislation
In October 2024, England and Wales introduced national buffer zones under the Public Order Act 2023. These zones extend 150 metres around clinics and hospitals offering abortion services.
Within these zones, it is an offence to “intentionally or recklessly” influence, obstruct, or harass someone accessing or working at the premises. Silent prayer is not automatically prohibited but may lead to prosecution depending on the perceived intent or impact.
Scotland enacted similar laws in September 2024, while Northern Ireland implemented buffer zones around relevant health service locations in September 2023.
Reaction from campaigners
Pro-choice groups say buffer zones are essential. Organisations like BPAS and MSI Reproductive Choices have documented cases of intimidation, including women being called “murderers”, followed by protesters, and even being spat at.
Louise McCudden from MSI commented: “It may come as a surprise to politicians in the US, but here in the UK, ‘freedom’ includes the freedom to access medical care safely without intimidation or coercion.”
Campaigners also argue that relying solely on council-issued PSPOs creates a postcode lottery, leading to unequal protections across the country.
Views from opponents
Anti-abortion campaigners argue that their rights to freedom of speech, religious expression, and providing support are being undermined. Right To Life UK said the zones prevent “vital practical support” for women who may be coerced into abortions.
ADF International, which is supporting Tossici-Bolt’s case, described the zones as “a watershed moment for British freedoms”. Lorcan Price, legal counsel for ADF, said: “There is a censorship crisis in the UK. Livia’s prosecution for merely offering consensual conversation highlights how free speech is now a major point of contention between the US and UK.”
As the verdict looms, the case continues to draw attention across borders, raising complex questions about the balance between free expression and the right to access healthcare without fear.
