Health Minister Maree Todd has been accused of expecting overworked and overwhelmed healthcare staff to 'act like bouncers'.
MSPs and campaigners have widely criticised the Scottish Government's minister for public health, women's health and sport for being "untethered from reality" after suggested people experiencing harassment outside of abortion clinics should discuss their concerns with service providers.
It comes after Labour MSP Monica Lennon submitted a parliamentary question in light of the recent protests at Sandyford Health Clinic in Glasgow, as well as the ongoing protests outside of the QEUH.
She asked: "What support can be given to anyone who may be reluctant to attend sexual health and cervical smear appointments at clinics where anti-abortion protests are taking place?"
In a written response, Maree Todd said: “The Scottish Government believes that all women have the right to access comprehensive universal health care, including abortion services, without fear or intimidation.
“The Scottish Government is currently looking at how to tackle protests and vigils that intimidate women as they access health care services, and are seeking to make progress as soon as practicable.
“In light of the recent protests outside of sexual health clinics, if an individual feels uncomfortable attending an appointment, they should contact the clinic directly to discuss their concerns.”
The comment has received major backlash with many believing an additional burden is now falling on healthcare staff whose morale is already at rock bottom with the anti-abortion lobby.
Central Scotland representative Monica said: “The climate of fear and intimidation caused by the anti-abortion lobby is making women afraid to go to hospitals and clinics.
“Doctors, midwives and nurses are being left to pick up the pieces when their morale is already at rock bottom.
“Healthcare workers should not be expected to act like bouncers, just as women should not have to run the gauntlet of anti-abortion activists.
“It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt, unless the Scottish Government starts to take proper action.
“Responding to calls from Back Off Scotland and other abortion rights campaigners, Nicola Sturgeon has agreed to chair an emergency summit and this must happen as a matter of urgency, with trade unions representing health workers being at the table.”
Back Off Scotland have been calling for the implementation of 150m buffer zones around clinics that provide abortion services since 2020.
Their co-founder has hit out at Maree Todd for her suggestion as she slammed the "shocking" comment and described it as "untethered from reality".
Lucy Grieve, co-founder of Back Off Scotland, said: "It’s shocking that we’ve gotten to a point where government inaction has paved way to ministers asking understaffed and overwhelmed sexual health facilities to offer counsel to those distressed by protestors.
“To echo the sentiments of a midwife at QEUH I spoke to yesterday, the Women’s Health Minister’s suggestion is untethered from reality.
"In lieu of primary legislation - which will take a significant amount of time to pass through parliament - it is vital that the Scottish Government use their powers and enact emergency legislation as a stop gap measure.
“The Scottish Government, under the watch of Maree Todd, are failing women and staff at every turn on the buffer zone issue.
"At its core, this is an access to healthcare problem and we need a solution for these protests before someone gets hurt.”
The parliamentary question from Monica Lennon came after anti-abortion protests outside of the Sandyford Clinic in Glasgow left patients distressed and in tears.
Two men outside were seen holding sickening signs stating "babies are murdered here".
Staff were forced to play loud music from their own cars in a desperate bid to drown out the protestors who used a microphone while arguing with campaigners.
One of the men was recorded saying: "It is a human being, it's alive. That is why they call it a termination. You are ending the life of a baby - a human being - where is their right?"
It is not clear if the men belong to the same American anti-abortion group, 40 Days For Life, who campaign outside of the QEUH every Tuesday.
Gillian Mackay MSP has now launched a consultation on her member's bill to bring in national buffer zone laws.
Maree Todd MSP has been contacted for comment.
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