Anti-abortion protestors have sparked anger after they gathered outside a Glasgow hospital, sparking renewed calls for buffer zones to be introduced.
Angry campaigners have slammed the group after they were pictured outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. As the mercury hit 29C, the protestors were yet again pictured on the streets holding placards with messages such a 'Choose Life' and 'Don’t be coerced into abortion' written across them.
At least eight individuals were spotted wearing sun hats and skip caps, with some sitting on camping chairs. Anti-abortion protestors have been spotted outside the hospital on several occasions.
Campaign group Back Off Scotland has been calling for the implementation of 150 metre buffer zones since October 2020. Lucy Grieve, co-founder of the group, has labeled the increase in activity from the group "worrying" and says it is having a negative impact on patients and staff at the hospital.
Lucy told the Record: "It’s very concerning that during such extreme weather conditions - a record breaking heatwave - we are seeing a presence of anti-choice groups outside hospitals and clinics.
"We’ve heard from hundreds of patients and a number of staff about the negative impacts that these protests are having and the marked uptick in activity is worrying."
She continued: "This protest group also have a new sign saying 'Don’t be coerced into abortion', not only is this an insult to the stellar work being done by abortion care providers, but it’s also dangerous misinformation. We must work to introduce buffer zones now to move these groups away from the gates of medical facilities."
In April we told how campaigners slammed "disgusting" anti-abortion protests outside the QEUH hospital and called for urgent action to implement buffer zones.
Members from anti-abortion group 40 Days of Life held up placards across from the maternity ward as they tried to intercept women seeking medical care.
One sign held up by the group read "choose life" while another sign read "Pregnant? We care, we will help you".
Scottish Labour's Monica Lennon said: “This is why we need buffer zones. Anti-abortion campaigners should not be targeting healthcare sites but they are relentless. Women and people accessing hospital services need privacy and shouldn’t have to run the gauntlet of organised groups.
“Safe access to healthcare is being undermined by the individuals gathering at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and elsewhere. It’s also distressing for the staff who are having their professionalism called into question without foundation by John Mason MSP. These protests should be taken away from clinics.
“Nicola Sturgeon has committed the Scottish Government to making safe access to abortion healthcare a priority. Urgent action is needed now.”
Minister for Women's Health Maree Todd said: “Women must be able to access abortion services, and health care staff be free to do their job, without fear of harassment or intimidation in any way. I have spoken with staff at different clinics and know how stressful it must be to navigate, or even look out over, protests while trying to provide essential health care.
“We’re committed to introducing buffer zones, and look forward to working constructively with Gillian Mackay MSP on her proposed legislation to deliver them. Everyone understands that there are complex legal issues to be resolved and we look forward to hearing the outcome of the Supreme Court's ongoing consideration of Northern Ireland's buffer zone law.
“We want to work with local authorities to utilise their local bye-law powers to establish local buffer zones as quickly as practicable, in advance of national legislation being passed. We are committed to supporting any council that wants to take part in test areas.”
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