Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, 2017
The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, 2017 is an act of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario relating to the legal protection of access to abortion.
It was enacted under the Protecting a Woman's Right to Access Abortion Services Act, 2017.
Background
The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, 2017 was modelled on the Access to Abortion Services Act enacted by British Columbia in 1995.Legislative passage
The only MLA who voted opposing the legislation was Jack MacLaren.Provisions
The act establishes a safe access zones with a radius of 50 metres around abortion clinics and safe access zones with a radius of 150 metres around the homes of staff.The protection applies irrespective of whether the facilities provides either surgical or medical abortion, so it applies to pharmacies providing abortion medication.
Facilities must apply for the safe access zone to be implemented.
Those convicted of violating the legislation would be fined and could face a six-month prison sentence with up to for multiple offences.