A new Manitoba law restricting protests near clinics and hospitals where abortions are performed is to take effect Saturday.
The NDP government introduced a bill last year that creates buffer zones of between 50 and 150 metres around such health facilities, as well as the homes of abortion providers.
Inside those zones, people are not allowed to block access, attempt to dissuade people from getting an abortion or harass or intimidate individuals.
Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine has said some people entering hospitals and clinics over the years have been blocked, accosted or photographed by anti-abortion protesters.
Anti-abortion groups have disputed this, saying their actions have been peaceful and have not disturbed anyone.
The province says other facilities that provide surgical or medical abortion services, such as hospitals, pharmacies and doctors' offices, have the option of requesting a buffer zone.
Other provinces, including British Columbia, have similar provincial legislation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 31, 2025.