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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Holly Lennon

Calls for anti-abortion buffer zones intensify as protestors picket Glasgow clinic

Scotland's Women's Health Minister has visited the site of anti-abortion protests as demands for buffer zones intensify.

Maree Todd spoke with staff at the Sandyford Clinic after a second protest was held outside its entrance on Wednesday.

Protestors held signs describing abortion as 'murder' and reportedly filmed patients entering the building during the latest demonstration.

Staff at the clinic were forced to play loud music to drown out the male demonstrators.

A second protest was also held outside Glasgow's Royal Infirmary on the same day.

Ms Todd reiterated her support for the introduction of buffer zones during her visit but has been accused of 'inaction' by campaigners.

The MSP said: "Women must have the right to access abortion without fear or intimidation. And it goes without saying that the same goes for healthcare staff doing their job.

“Today I spoke to staff at Sandyford clinic in Glasgow who have had to work in the shadow of two recent protests and heard from them and also staff at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital about the damaging impact it can have. We’ve said repeatedly that the place to protest is at Parliament where the legislation is made, not where people are receiving health care.

“We strongly support the introduction of buffer zones, welcome Gillian Mackay MSP’s Bill consultation and will continue to explore how the Scottish Parliament can legislate in a way that is effective and capable of withstanding legal challenge.

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“Alongside this, the Scottish Government continues to work to make arrangements for a First Minister convened summit at the end of June to discuss abortion rights issues."

The visit comes as demands for buffer zones have become intensified in the face of what campaigners believe is a lack of action from the Scottish Government.

Back Off Scotland, who are calling for the buffer zones, said: "It’s now imperative that NicolaSturgeon and Maree Todd come forward before parliament and state their immediate intentions to enact emergency legislation to stop this. We need buffer zones NOW."

Greg Irwin, a consultant in the Royal Hospital for Children, was forced to record a video of himself in front of the protestors.

He explained: "You're here accessing your healthcare which you have the legal right. You're forced to run the gauntlet of this demonstration.

"This is outrageous. All we're asking for is for this demonstration to be moved further up the street.

"We would be grateful if you would consider introducing buffer zones outside all the hospitals in Scotland with urgency."

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