Pro-life advocates are making plans to address a new law in Ontario that will create "bubble zones" around abortion facilities and likely force the National March for Life in Ottawa to find a new route. The new law, which takes effect on February 1, establishes a 50-meter (164 ft), no-protest zone around eight abortion facilities in Ontario and a 15-meter (49 ft) zone around the homes of doctors and others involved in providing abortion services. Beginning in February, hospitals and pharmacies also can apply to have so-called bubble zones implemented around their premises. The new law makes it an offense inside a restricted zone to show any type of disapproval "concerning issues related to abortion services, by any means, including oral, written or graphic means." First-time offenders face fines of up to $5,000 and six months in jail. The National March for Life, which attracts more than 20,000 pro-life advocates each May, has traditionally passed in front of the Morgentaler abortion facility in downtown Ottawa. The new law likely will force organizers to find a new route because it will be illegal for people to carry a pro-life sign or speak against abortion within 50 meters of any abortion clinic.
8:40 AM
'Buffer zones' could force Canadian March for Life to change route
The march traditionally passes in front of at least one clinic
Catholic News Service

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