Buffer zone legislation to receive support from trade union body

THE introduction of buffer zones around abortion clinics is expected to be backed by Scotland’s largest trade union body.

A motion is being brought forward by the University and College Union (UCU) on Tuesday which the Scottish Trades Union Congress will be asked to support.

If buffer zones are implemented, anti-abortion protests will not be allowed within 150m of hospitals or clinics where terminations take place.

The STUC says the motion will put pressure on the Scottish Government to speed up the process of implementing the zones “protecting patients from harassment and intimidation”.

Lena Wanggren, UCU representative and mover of the motion, told STV News: “We brought this forward as we believe it is sadly very much needed and timely, as reproductive rights – especially abortion rights – are increasingly attacked. And now we in Scotland have a very good opportunity to protect both healthcare workers and those accessing services.

“I know a woman who started miscarrying at work but who didn’t dare tell her colleagues or employer as she was precariously employed on a fixed term contract.

“She was scared that if her employer knew she was trying to get pregnant then she wouldn’t have her contract renewed.

“This is a good example of how reproductive rights are a workplace and trade union issue, while noting that insecure working conditions (which disproportionately affect women) impact reproductive rights.”

“I am very confident that the buffer zones motion will be passed.”

First Minister Humza Yousaf said during his first week in office he “unequivocally” backed Gillian Mackay’s Safe Access Zones Bill, which is expected to be formally introduced to Parliament in the coming weeks.

The Scottish Government has said work to bring forward the legislation “continues at pace” and it hopes to see a Bill introduced “as soon as possible”.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The First Minister met with Gillian Mackay MSP during his first full week in office to discuss the progress on introducing safe access zones in Scotland and ensuring women can access healthcare free from intimidation, harassment or unwanted influence.

“During that productive meeting, he made clear that Scottish Government support for Ms Mackay’s Members’ Bill is unequivocal and unwavering.”