The Crown Prosecution Servicein the United Kingdom has dropped charges against a pro-life activist arrested for praying silently outside an abortion clinic but has left the door open to additional prosecution for the same offense in the future.
The nonprofit legal organization ADF UK announced in a statement Friday that prosecutors have informed pro-life activist Isabel Vaughn-Spruce that they have dismissed charges against her for peacefully praying outside of an abortion clinic in Birmingham, England. However, they also told her that charges “may well start again” if they receive new evidence related to the case. She intends to pursue a clear verdict in court.
Vaughn-Spruce’s arrest followed the city of Birmingham’s implementation of a Public Space Protection Order prohibiting people from “protesting, namely engaging in any act of approval or disapproval or attempted act of approval or disapproval, with respect to issues related to abortion services, by any means” in the area surrounding the BPAS Robert Clinic in Kings Norton, Birmingham. The order identified prayer as one of the activities banned by the order.
In a statement, Vaughn-Spruce indicated her intention to seek a clear verdict in court that will set a precedent for pro-life activists going forward.
“It can’t be right that I was arrested and made a criminal, only for praying in my head on a public street,” she said.
“So-called ‘buffer zone legislation’ will result in so many more people like me, doing good and legal activities like offering charitable support to women in crisis pregnancies, or simply praying in their heads, being treated like criminals and even facing court,” Vaughn-Spruce added. “It’s important to me that I can continue my vital work in supporting women who’d like to avoid abortion if they only had some help.”
The activist said it’s essential to have “clarity as to my legal status.”
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Charges dropped against woman arrested for praying silently | World News
Charges dropped against woman arrested for praying silently | World News
