Isabel Vaughan-Spruce has twice been arrested for silently praying outside an abortion clinic in Birmingham, and she's twice been freed and vindicated. Indeed, West Midlands Police subsequently apologised and gave her a £13,000 payout. But, thanks to the new buffer zone law, West Midlands Police have decided to charge her for a third time.
Abortion buffer zones came into force in October 2024 outside abortion clinics in England and Wales, criminalising offering vital support to women, and amid confusion about precisely what activities are prohibited outside abortion clinics.
While Vaughan-Spruce has been arrested on previous occasions, she has never been charged with a crime. Individuals are arrested if they are suspected of committing a crime, allowing police to question them and gather evidence. After being arrested, individuals can be either released or charged with committing a crime. Despite Vaughan-Spruce not having been charged on previous occasions, following several months of consideration by prosecutors, she has now been charged.
Speaking when first arrested, Isabel explained her position: “Despite being fully vindicated multiple times after being wrongfully arrested for my thoughts, it’s unbelievable that two and a half years later, I am still being harassed by police for silently praying in that area, and yet again find myself under investigation for the same prayers I have said for twenty years”.
“Silent prayer cannot possibly be a crime – everyone has the right to freedom of thought”.
Vaughan-Spruce is due to appear at Birmingham magistrates’ court on 29 January and, if she is found guilty, could face an unlimited fine.