Manitoba’s new law prohibiting protests and demonstrations outside abortion clinics went into effect on Feb. 1.
The province’s NDP government introduced the bill last year. The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act creates buffer zones of 150 metres around abortion clinics, as well as around the homes of abortion providers.
Protests, demonstrations, and picketing are not permitted in the buffer zones. The law also restricts anyone from trying to convince a woman not to have an abortion if they are within the zones.
Photography and filming in the areas are also prohibited.
Anyone who violates the law could face a fine up to $5,000 for a first offence or $10,000 for subsequent offences. It also allows up to six months in jail for a first offence and a full year for a second offence.
Health Minister Nahanni Fontaine said it was designed to protect patients from harassment or intimidation.
“Manitobans have the right to safe and accessible health care,” said Fontaine. “Whether you’re accessing reproductive care, recovering from a procedure, or providing critical health care to Manitobans, this new legislation will make sure your safety and privacy is protected.”
The law is similar to those in other provinces, such as British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
Hospitals, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and other health-care facilities that offer surgical abortions or prescribe medications that induce abortion can request a buffer zone around their sites, the government said.
The law also applies to doctors and pharmacists that offer Mifegymiso, a medication that can be taken to end a pregnancy.
In addition to establishing a buffer zone around the home of a medical professional who provides abortion services, the law also prohibits repeated communication with an abortion provider by anyone trying to convince them not to offer abortions.
Pro-life groups have said the law violates Charter rights.
“In the end, Bubble zone censorship laws are contrary to our Charter Right to freedom of expression and to gather,” said Maria Slykerman, Manitoba president of Campaign Life Coalition.
“Passing such a law in Manitoba will only make this province a more repressive and dangerous place to live,” she said.
The Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA) Canada said the government of Manitoba had not cited examples of anyone in the province who was harassed or prevented from getting an abortion.
”Manitoba’s Bill 8 targets peaceful efforts to inform, persuade, or express disapproval of abortion, things which are not prohibited by criminal law,” ARPA Canada said when the legislation was introduced.
