New protests outside an abortion clinic in Aberdeen have been condemned by Green politicians.
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital was the target of action by the Texas-based 40 Days for Life group after the organisation started a 40-day "prayer vigil" outside clinics offering abortion services in Scotland, lasting until November 6. The demonstrations are planned at facilities in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Falkirk, reports Aberdeen Live.
The new protests coincide with the launch of International Safe Abortion Day. Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay has brought forward a proposed bill on legislation for buffer zones around abortion clinics in Scotland and reacted angrily to the latest demonstrations.
Aberdeen City Council passed a motion in July to explore introducing a local bylaw for buffer zones but council officers warned that it could breach human rights legislation.
Addressing the latest action, Ms Mackay said: “These protests are an appalling attempt to scare people out of accessing the healthcare they are entitled to. It will be 40 days of intimidation, and it has no place in a modern and progressive Scotland. The bill that I am introducing will stop these protests for good.
“It is shameful that they have chosen to launch this latest campaign of harassment on International Safe Abortion Day, a day which exists to promote safe and legal access to reproductive health.
“Some of the campaigners we have seen have used graphic banners and loudspeakers. The service users and staff I have spoken to have told me about the terrible impact that these protests have had on them and others.
“When it comes to human rights, we can’t stand still. As the appalling decision to rollback reproductive rights in the US shows, our progress can be fragile. That is why we must do everything we can to protect and advance it."
It was reported earlier this year that NHS Grampian had previously stated protests outside the Maternity Hospital were "peaceful" and that demonstrators had caused "no issue".
However, chief executive Caroline Hiscox was later quoted as saying that she and the health board were "completely in support" of safe access zones.
The new bill aims to introduce legislation to create 150 metre safe access zones, protecting service users from protestors. This comes after campaigning from pro-choice group Back Off Scotland.
Over 12,000 responses have been received to the bill with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also vowing to take action on the issue.
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