Retired British woman on trial for holding sign offering to talk to women considering abortion

A woman in England is facing trial for offering help to women seeking an abortion in a censorial "buffer zone" which criminalizes "expressions of approval or disapproval of abortion".

Livia Tossici-Bolt held a sign that read "here to talk, if you want" near an abortion facility in Bournemouth, England, which prompted several individuals to approach her to discuss issues they were facing in their lives, according to Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) UK.

But, local authorities confronted Tossici-Bolt, alleging she had breached a local abortion "buffer zone" and issued a Fixed Penalty Notice, which Tossici-Bolt refused to pay, on the grounds that she did not breach the terms of the public spaces protection order (PSPO).

She also believes she has the right, as argued by her legal counsel at ADF UK, under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act to have consensual conversations. The Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council proceeded to charge Tossici-Bolt for breaching the "buffer zone" and she now awaits a trial date at Poole Magistates’ Court.

Tossici-Bolt said everyone condemns harassment, but called out "buffer zones" for going so far as to criminalize peaceful and helpful activities.

"For several years now, I have been offering a helping hand to women who would like to consider other options to abortion, and pointing them to options where they can receive financial and practical support, if that’s what they would like," she said. "There’s nothing wrong with offering help. There’s nothing wrong with two adults engaging in a consensual conversation on the street. I shouldn’t be treated like a criminal just for this."

PRO-LIFE ACTIVIST ARRESTED FOR PRAYING SILENTLY NEAR AN ABORTION FACILITY

In 2023, the UK government passed