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Activist Convicted for Breaching Abortion Clinic Buffer Zone in UK
An anti-abortion activist, previously highlighted by the US State Department for concerns regarding freedom of expression in the UK, has been convicted for violating a buffer zone established around an abortion clinic. The case raises questions about the balance between protest rights and access to healthcare services.
Breach of Public Spaces Protection Order
Livia Tossici-Bolt, identified as an anti-abortion campaigner, was tried at Poole Magistrates’ Court last month. She faced accusations of contravening a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on two separate days in March 2023 near a Bournemouth-based clinic. On Friday, she was found guilty on two counts of breaching the order.
Conditional Discharge and Legal Costs
The court issued Tossici-Bolt a conditional discharge, mandating that she commit no further offenses for a period of two years. She was also instructed to pay £20,000 to cover the “considerable” resources that the judge acknowledged were utilized by the local authority. Additionally, she was levied with a £26 victim surcharge.
US State Department Interest in “Freedom of Expression” Case
A delegation representing the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL), a division of the US State Department, engaged with Tossici-Bolt during a recent UK visit. This meeting, which also included a US-supported anti-abortion group backing her legal battle, underscores international attention on the case and its implications for freedom of expression.
Judge’s Ruling on Impact of Anti-Abortion Activity
Judge Austin asserted that it was definitively proven that Tossici-Bolt was engaged in demonstrating disapproval of abortion services on the specified days. “She fails to appreciate that her presence could have a detrimental impact on women attending the clinic, their companions, staff, and members of the public,” the judge stated.
Details of Protest and Buffer Zone
Tossici-Bolt stood with a sign stating “Here to talk, if you want” in view of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) clinic. This clinic had previously been a target for anti-abortion demonstrators prior to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council implementing the protection order, designed to create a safe access zone.
Enforcement and Activist’s Stance
The court received testimony from council enforcement officers, who recounted asking Tossici-Bolt to vacate the area on both occasions after receiving complaints from a member of the public and clinic personnel. Tossici-Bolt informed an officer that she positioned herself outside the clinic “because from my experience women come here in a very lonely state.” The order prohibited protests and activities intended to influence clinic users during weekdays until 7pm, the period during which she was asked to leave.
Court’s Perspective: Focus on PSPO Breach, Not Abortion Rights
Judge Austin remarked that Tossici-Bolt could have chosen an alternative location, as individuals experiencing loneliness can be found in many places. “I accept her beliefs were genuinely held convictions. While it is acknowledged that this defendant holds pro-life views, it is crucial to emphasize that this case is not about the merits of abortion but solely about whether the defendant contravened the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO),” she clarified.
BPAS Welcomes Verdict Protecting Clinic Access
BPAS welcomed the verdict, stating that the outcome would safeguard women and the staff providing abortion care, ensuring unimpeded access to essential healthcare services.
BPAS Chief Executive on Local Harassment
Heidi Stewart, Chief Executive of BPAS, commented: “The Bournemouth clinic has endured decades of anti-abortion demonstrations, resulting in over 500 harassment reports before the local safe access zone was enacted.”
“Simple Ability to Access Legal Healthcare”
Stewart added, “This case was never about international politics but about the fundamental right of women to access legal healthcare without facing harassment.”
US State Department Monitoring Case
The DRL recently posted on X: “We are monitoring her case. It is important that the UK respect and protect freedom of expression.”
Funding and Legal Representation
During discussions regarding costs, the hearing learned that Tossici-Bolt possessed considerable assets and had received funding from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a UK-registered charity supported by a US conservative organization of the same name.
ADF UK Financial Details
Kuljit Bhogal KC, representing the council, stated that ADF UK reported an income exceeding £1.3m in the year leading up to June 2024. Company records also indicate that at least one staff member received a salary exceeding £100,000. These financial disclosures were previously reported by the Guardian.
Defendant’s Choice to Contest Proceedings
“We are discussing an individual with both personal assets and income, alongside ADF’s substantial income,” Bhogal noted. He highlighted that Tossici-Bolt opted to contest the proceedings despite a prior conviction last year for breaching the same safe zone, indicating a pattern of behavior.