A government group has discussed widening plans for anti-abortion buffer zones outside hospitals to cover anti-vaxxers.
The plan was discussed in April at a summit attended by SNP Ministers Maree Todd and Ben Macpherson.
Green MSP Gillian Mackay is spearheading plans for buffer zones outside clinics and hospitals after complaints about the activities of anti-abortion activists. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backs the principle of zones and a working group was set up to consider the legal issues involved.
The latest minute of the group shows that participants also discussed whether legislation could be used for so-called vaccination sceptics.
Anti-vaccine conspiracy theories were spread during the pandemic and are believed to have put some people off getting a jab.
The minute stated: “The group also discussed the potential for including anti-vaccination protests in the proposed legislation.
“The group considered that it would be helpful to consider the experience of vulnerable families passing protesters in other areas. Ms Mackay agreed to consider this.”
The Government was criticised last week after spending £10,000 on “mediation” services in relation to the abortion buffer zone plan.
The minute also relayed a discussion on this matter: “Initially there will be a scoping exercise, which will followed by an assessment.
“Previously concerns [have] been raised regarding whether dialogue would be possible; however it was agreed at the last meeting that dialogue would be a useful step in understanding the various views involved.”
Labour MSP Monica Lennon said: “We need decisive action from the Government around buffer zones in relation to abortion. This is not the time to throw in other issues because frankly too much time has been wasted already.”
Back Off Scotland, which also backs buffer zones for anti-abortion activists, said: “It’s deeply frustrating that the government are considering changing tact like this without consulting key stakeholders.
"It’s worth noting that the Women’s Health Minister Maree Todd MSP has consistently barred campaign groups from her Ministerial Working Group. As recently as last Friday, the Minister declined having us, BPAS (the UK’s largest abortion provider who are supporting Gillian Mackay MSP’s Member’s Bill through the Scottish Parliament), and Dr Pam Lowe (a leading academic specialising in buffer zones) join the working group.
"Actions like this are incompatible with the assurances of collaborative working given at the First Minister’s abortion summit in June.“
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “All women in Scotland should be able to access timely abortion care without judgment or intimidation. Last year, a working group was formed to explore possible ways to solve the problem of women being harassed outside abortion clinics as quickly as possible.
“The Scottish Government is committed to national legislation, and Ministers continue to engage positively with Gillian Mackay MSP in relation to her proposed Bill for safe access zones.
"Our focus is ensuring women can access abortions services without harassment, as no-one should have to face such intimidation when accessing any healthcare services. In taking this work forward we will consider if there is a necessity to put the same protections we want around abortion services in any other health settings.”
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
READ NEXT:
