MPs have supported proposals to introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics and hospitals in England and Wales.
The House of Commons voted 297 to 110, majority 187, in favour of an amendment to the Public Order Bill in a bid to offer greater protection to women by preventing protesters from gathering.
The law does not apply in Scotland, where Green MSP Gillian Mackay is pursuing change in Holyrood.
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She has promised Scotland will have the "most robust" legislation on buffer zones in the UK, but has so far been unable to confirm when her bill will be introduced.
The move, pushed by a cross-party group of MPs, would introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics and hospitals where it would be an offence to interfere, intimidate or harass women accessing or people providing abortion services.
Those convicted could face up to six months in jail for a first offence or two years for further offences.
A buffer zone would apply to an area which is within 150 metres from any part of an abortion clinic or access point to any building or site that contains an abortion clinic.
MPs were given a free vote on the matter.
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