A Members' Bill that could bring an end to anti-abortion protests outside healthcare settings has reached a 'key moment' with the Committee for Health, Social Care and Sport is now calling for views on the plans.
Scottish Green MSP Gillian MacKay brought forward a Members' Bill which, if passed by the Scottish Parliament, would see a 200-metre buffer zone introduced around clinics offering abortion services. Anyone found in breach of the zone could be fined, with unlimited fines for serious breaches.
Read more: Glasgow granny fears she will be 'dead by Christmas' as freezing flat has damp and cracked wallsCampaigners have been calling for the measures to be introduced for several years to prevent groups such as 40 Days for Life picketing outside healthcare settings including the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital . The group have been known to hold graphic placards, leaflet patients, and loudly pray within close proximity to clinics offering safe abortions.
Ms Mackay said: “This is a key moment and marks the start of parliamentary scrutiny for my members bill. I hope that as many people as possible engage with the process. This is a crucial bill and I want it to be as effective and robust as possible. “There is no excuse for the intimidation and harassment that far too many people have been forced to endure outside hospitals all over Scotland. It is totally wrong, and my bill will end it for good.”Convener Clare Haughey has said the committee want to hear from both supporters and opponents of the legislation. She said: “We recognise the strength of feeling about this bill. As a committee, we always aim to consider any bill or issue in a careful, balanced and thorough way.
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