A constitutional challenge to abortion exclusion zones in the UK will not be heard by the UK Supreme Court. Alina Dulgheriu had taken a case against a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) around an abortion facility in the London Borough of Ealing. Introduced in April 2018, the Order criminalises activities including silent prayer and offers of help. The young mother had herself received help from a now-banned group and argued that the Order violates the fundamental rights to freedom of speech and assembly. Ms. Dulgheriu is now considering an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

Commenting on the case, Laurence Wilkinson, Legal Counsel for ADF International in London, said that the disproportionate and wide-ranging measure taken by Ealing Council “poses a serious threat to freedom of speech and assembly”.

“ It sets a negative precedent and outlaws even the most compassionate offer of assistance. In refusing permission to appeal, the Supreme Court has denied Alina the opportunity to argue her case before the highest court in the country and failed to recognise the human rights violations caused by the Order. Free societies must be free to discuss even ideas some consider controversial rather than simply criminalising them. Evidence shows that hundreds of women – like Alina – have accepted the help offered by peaceful pro-life groups outside abortion facilities,” he said.