Northern Ireland Woman Faces Court Over Praying Outside Abortion Clinic
Claire Brennan faces multiple charges under Northern Ireland’s Safe Access Zones law for praying outside Causeway Hospital, while appealing a prior conviction for similar protests.
COLERAINE, NORTHERN IRELAND — Claire Brennan, a 54-year-old mother of four from Rasharkin, appeared Monday at Coleraine Magistrate’s Court in Northern Ireland facing three charges under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act. The charges relate to alleged acts inside the 150-meter safe access zone outside Causeway Hospital—where abortions are performed—during September, October, and November. Court documents state Brennan’s protests “had the effect of causing harassment, alarm, or distress” to three women attending the clinic.
Brennan was first arrested in October 2023 while praying the Lord’s Prayer with a rosary alongside fellow pro-lifer David Hall, a wheelchair user, shortly after the Act came into effect. Both were arrested after refusing police orders to leave. Brennan, supported by Christian Concern, is appealing a prior conviction for conducting an illegal protest.
Her next court appearance on the new charges is set for February 2, 2026, with her appeal also scheduled for later that year. The case continues to raise questions about religious expression and safe access legislation in Northern Ireland.
Previously, the UOJ reported that abortion was the global leading cause of death in 2025.
