A woman who received a conditional discharge after being convicted of violating a buffer zone near an abortion clinic in Bournemouth has stated that she was “not there to express my views.” Livia Tossici-Bolt, an anti-abortion activist, told the BBC’s Today program that she was “really disappointed” with the conviction, as it had nothing to do with protesting and she plans to continue fighting for her right to freedom of speech.

Tossici-Bolt had stood with a sign that read, “Here to talk, if you want,” outside the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) clinic, which had previously been targeted by anti-abortion activists. She went on trial at Poole Magistrates Court and was found guilty of two charges of breaching a public spaces protection order in March 2023.

The court gave Tossici-Bolt a conditional discharge and ordered her not to commit any additional offenses over a two-year period. She was also required to pay £20,000 in costs and a victim surcharge fee of £26. Tossici-Bolt stated that she was there to offer free and consensual conversations to those who wanted to speak with her and not to persuade women to change their minds.

Her lawyer, Jeremiah Igunnubole, announced that they are exploring all legal options and expressed concern about the unprecedented criminalization of peaceful conduct. The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL), an office within the US Department of State, met with Tossici-Bolt and expressed disappointment with her conviction, emphasizing the importance of protecting freedom of expression.

However, the chief executive of BPAS, Heidi Stewart, said that the case was not about global politics but about ensuring women can access legal healthcare without harassment. The clinic in Bournemouth had faced decades of protests and more than 500 reports of harassment before a local safe access zone was implemented.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/05/anti-abortion-campaigner-bournemouth-conviction