Retired Scientist Faces Trial for Offering Help Near Abortion Clinic

In a case that underscores the ongoing debate over free speech near abortion clinics, a retired scientist finds herself in legal proceedings this week. Livia Tossici-Bolt, 63, is accused of violating an abortion clinic buffer zone in Bournemouth while holding a sign stating, “Here to talk. If you want.”

Local officials contend that Tossici-Bolt’s actions breached the buffer zone rules, which prohibit the expression of approval or disapproval regarding abortion. Despite being issued a Fixed Penalty Notice, Tossici-Bolt declined to pay, arguing she merely offered a conversation, not an opinion on abortion.

Tossici-Bolt cited Article 10 of the Human Rights Act, maintaining her actions were within her rights to engage in consensual conversation. She stated, “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.”

Supporting her legal stance is the Alliance Defending Freedom UK. Jeremiah Igunnubole, ADF International’s legal counsel, criticized the buffer zone rules, noting, “Under far-reaching and vaguely-written rules, we have seen volunteers like Livia criminalised simply for offering to engage in consensual conversation; and others dragged through courts for praying, even silently, in their minds.”

Igunnubole emphasized the importance of defending freedom of thought and speech both inside and outside buffer zones, questioning the allocation of policing resources on peaceful individuals. “It’s unthinkable that as real crime is mounting, policing time and resources are being expended on peaceful individuals like Livia who simply, and peacefully, offer to speak. What kind of society does that?” he added.

This issue has gained international attention, especially after US Vice President JD Vance criticized abortion clinic buffer zones as a threat to free speech. Vance highlighted a case in Scotland where residents were warned that private prayer within buffer zones could breach the law, a claim initially labeled as “misinformation” by MSP Gillian Mackay, who later acknowledged its validity under certain conditions.

Others have faced similar charges under the buffer zone regulations. In separate incidents, Adam Smith-Connor was charged for praying within a buffer zone, and Rose Doherty was arrested in Scotland for displaying a sign that read “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, if you want.”