The Scottish Greens have slammed the "disgraceful" and "utterly unacceptable" protests from anti-abortion campaign groups.
This comes at the start of 40 days of protests that will take place outside the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow. The protests are being coordinated by 40 Days For Life, a Texas-based anti-choice organisation.
The protests, which begin today, are set to run until April 2. Similar protests have taken place outside other medical centres with abortion services across Scotland.
The Scottish Greens health spokesperson, Gillian Mackay MSP, is introducing legislation to create 150 metre safe access zones, or ‘buffer zones,’ which would stop campaigners from targeting medical facilities. Her Bill has been supported by the Scottish Government as well as the British Medical Association (Scotland) and the Royal College of GPs. Over 12,000 people filled in the Consultation about the Bill.
Gillian Mackay said: “These protests are a disgraceful attempt to intimidate people out of accessing healthcare. Some of the protesters carry very graphic banners and other protests have seen loudspeakers and megaphones. It will be a 40 day gauntlet of harassment. It is utterly unacceptable and has no place in a modern and progressive Scotland.
“How can we talk about rights and equality when people are being intimidated like this? Abortion rights are human rights. Yet, all over our country, far too many people are having to manoeuvre their way past groups of campaigners.
“My consultation received over 12,000 responses, which shows the depth of feeling. My Bill has also received the support for the Scottish Government. Some of the stories that people have shared with me have been really harrowing and- shocking, and have underlined why this Bill is so vital.
“I hope that this is the last year that we see these protests. The introduction of buffer zones will set an important precedent and will be a watershed moment for reproductive rights in Scotland.”
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