Anti-abortion campaigners are gearing up for 40 days of protests, that have been described as 'emotional harassment' by medics, outside Glasgow hospitals.
To mark the beginning of lent, '40 Days of Life' will be increasing their protests which can involve holding graphic placards, leafleting patients, and loudly praying within close proximity to clinics offering safe abortions.
The protests, which begin today, are set to run until April 2.
Plans to introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics to stop the protestors from harassing patients and staff have received cross-party support in Glasgow. Nicola Sturgeon last year reaffirmed her commitment to supporting their introduction but as of yet, legislation is still to be passed.
Back Off Scotland, a campaign group fighting for the country-wide buffer zones, said it is "frustrating" that the measures are still to be introduced.
Co-founder Lucy Grieve told Glasgow Live: "It is frustrating that we're yet to see the buffer zones being implemented but we're really happy that the Scottish Government has committed to looking into interim measures until national legislation is passed.
"This may be one of the last rounds of prayer groups we will see before the zones are introduced.
"Ahead of last week's announcement on Nicola Sturgeon resigning, we were really confident that it wouldn't be long until the legislation was passed but that has now all changed.
"We've now reached out to the candidates running for First Minister to seek their stance on abortion care.
"We believe the issue is A-political but comments made by candidates in recent days have been quite shocking and raise the concern of potential back-peddling on what has been previously discussed."
The Scottish Greens health spokesperson, Gillian Mackay MSP, is behind the introduction of legislation to create the 150 metre safe access zones.
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.
She 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.”
We previously reported how dozens of doctors called on the government to introduce measures to prevent women from facing 'emotional harassment' while seeking medical help.
While anti-choice protests are typically aimed at women accessing abortion services, a letter signed by 76 medical professionals in Scotland also highlighted the effects that the protests are having on staff and their patients, calling the imitation and harassment 'deplorable'.
Dr Greg Irwin, a Consultant Paediatric Radiologist in Glasgow, said: "The protesters on Hardgate Road are as close as they can get to the maternity unit, meaning that our patients in the wards can see and hear them.
"These women may well be feeling vulnerable and upset. They should not have to put up with judgement or intimidation outside our hospital. How can we offer our patients the standard of care and support they deserve in this situation? Implementing buffer zones is essential to deal with this problem, both in Glasgow and throughout Scotland."
Back Off Scotland has been campaigning for the 150m zones to be introduced nationally due to there being 'no political will' to introduce them in some council areas in the country.
They fear protestors will move on to areas where the zones aren't enforced.
Monica Lennon MSP said it was "harrowing" to see another 40-day protest taking place.
She added: "This is being dressed up as prayer, but we know it’s bad for the privacy and wellbeing of women.
“Testimonies gathered by Back Off Scotland have revealed the traumatising and long-lasting effects of clinic harassment.
"We wouldn’t put up with this in any other health setting.
“The Scottish Government must ensure the legal right to abortion care is accessed without intimidation or harassment.
“With every other UK nation pushing ahead with safe access zone legislation, I hope this will be a wakeup call for the Scottish Government to introduce these measures as soon as possible.”
“Nicola Sturgeon has said the right things in support of Gillian Mackay’s Member’s Bill, but it will be down to a new First Minister to oversee the legislation. All SNP leadership candidates must commit to making buffer zone law a priority.”
40 Days for Life, which originated in Texas, describes itself as a "pro-life campaign working to end abortion through prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils outside abortion centers".
When asked by Glasgow Live their reasons for the protests, the group said they did not speak to the press.
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