New Zealand’s first so-called “Safe Areas” around abortion providers will be in place from 25 August. A similar law is being planned in Ireland.

Initially six places have been designated as such by the Government. Ireland’s law will be much more broad-ranging.

Safe Areas cover up to 150 metres around a premises where abortions are provided. They prohibit certain behaviours that could be considered ‘distressing’ to a person accessing the centres.

These include: blocking entrances or preventing people from entering or leaving; photographing or videoing someone; providing information about abortion; attempting to dissuade someone from having an abortion; providing anti-abortion pamphlets or similar materials; engaging in protest.

New Zealand Police are primarily responsible for the enforcement of Safe Areas. A person convicted of engaging in prohibited behaviour within a Safe Area may be liable for a fine of up to NZ$1,000 (€560).