News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

January 31, 2025

Manitoba Government Proclaims Abortion Buffer Zone Legislation

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New Law Will Come into Effect Feb. 1: Fontaine

The Manitoba government has proclaimed the Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, which will be enforced beginning Saturday, Feb. 1, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity, announced today.

“Abortion is health care. Manitobans have the right to safe and accessible health care,” said Fontaine. “Whether you’re accessing reproductive care, recovering from a procedure, or providing critical health care to Manitobans, this new legislation will make sure your safety and privacy is protected.”

The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act prohibits protests, demonstrations or picketing within buffer zones to protect patients and providers against harassment and intimidation, noted Fontaine.

The legislation requires safety perimeters around clinics whose primary purpose is to provide abortion services. Other facilities that provide surgical or medical abortion services such as hospitals, pharmacies, doctors’ offices and health-care facilities have the option of requesting a buffer zone be established around their sites.

The legislation also supports access to abortion by protecting physicians and pharmacists who provide access to Mifegymiso, a non-surgical option for early abortion.

In addition, people who work in clinics will be protected at home under the new law.

British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia have provincial legislation that establishes abortion protest buffer zones, noted the minister.

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