The First Minister has been urged to reaffirm the Scottish Government's commitment to curb the activity outside Scots clinics after his deputy appeared to indicate support for 'silent prayer' protests.
John Swinney has been urged to reaffirm the Scottish Government's commitment to curb anti-abortion protests outside Scots clinics.
Ms Mackay brought forward the Abortion Services Bill to ban protesters from congregating withing 200 metres of hospital and clinics. The Bill was supported by a majority of MSPs at a first stage vote on its general principles in April and is expected to proceed to stage two this month for further scrutiny before a final vote.
She said: "The protests we have seen outside hospitals are absolutely wrong. They set out to intimidate, harass and deter people from accessing healthcare that they are entitled to. I would be very concerned if the Scottish Government was to support any amendments that could undermine or water down the protections that are included in my Bill.
"Far too many people have suffered for far too long. All politicians need to stand together in defence of reproductive rights and the right to access healthcare."
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