Two Lanarkshire MSPs have teamed up to back buffer zones around Scotland’s abortion clinics.
Scottish Labour’s Monica Lennon has been calling for the introduction of buffer zones to protect women accessing sexual health and abortion services in the wake of escalating protests around clinics and hospitals.
Nicola Sturgeon agreed to host the summit after receiving a letter from Monica and more than a dozen organisations, including Back Off Scotland and Rape Crisis Scotland, calling for her urgent intervention on attacks on abortion rights.
Following the summit – held in Edinburgh on June 27 – Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government would need to find a ‘national legislative solution’ to the issue.
Monica, who is the Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Women’s Health, has also appealed to the public to take part in a national consultation on buffer zone proposals.
These proposals have been launched through a Private Member’s Bill from Lanarkshire Green MSP Gillian Mackay to implement anti-abortion buffer zones outside hospitals and clinics across Scotland to protect women from harassment.
Monica said: “Anti-choice campaigners have become more emboldened with orchestrated gatherings taking place on a regular basis in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“This harassment is having an impact on my constituents from Lanarkshire and Falkirk, including those accessing specialist services at Glasgow’s Sandyford clinic.
“It is also taking its toll on healthcare workers who have been filmed and shouted at.
“I was pleased to be invited by the First Minister to attend the summit, and on the whole, found it was a positive and constructive meeting.
“The First Minister listened to representatives from third sector organisations, local government, the police, NHS and campaigners, as well as members from across the parties, and promised she would look at short and long-term actions.
“However, the Scottish Government must now not be allowed to fall asleep at the wheel on this issue.
“And that’s why Gillian Mackay MSP’s Bill to implement buffer zones at clinics and hospitals across Scotland is needed to guarantee safe access.
“I encourage people to have their say and respond to the consultation before it closes on August 11.
“This is not about silencing people with anti-choice views; it’s about making sure the privacy of individuals accessing healthcare is respected.
“No one should face harassment or intimidation when seeking confidential medical care.
“The Scottish Government must do all it can to support the Bill and make sure it progresses at pace.”
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