NICOLA Sturgeon has reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to passing legislation which would see buffer zones implemented around abortion clinics in Scotland.
On Wednesday, the UK Supreme Court ruled that Northern Ireland’s bid to introduce “safe access zones” around clinics is legal and within the competence of its government.
Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who introduced similar legislation in Scotland, asked the First Minister what her response was to the ruling.
Sturgeon started by thanking Clare Bailey, then leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland, for her advice, with Bailey having attended a summit on the issue.
The First Minister said: “I was very pleased yesterday to see that the Supreme Court has protected the rights of women to access abortion services without fear of harassment or intimidation in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government is currently considering very carefully the detail of that judgment and we look forward to working with Gillian Mackay on how we can progress quickly the next steps for taking her bill forward.
“We are absolutely committed to supporting Gillian Mackay with the development of a bill to safeguard access for women in Scotland to access healthcare facilities that provide abortion services and to do so without fear, harassment or intimidation.”
Several anti-abortion protests have taken place in Scotland in the past year, including outside Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Mackay and campaigners Back Off Scotland recently received an award for their work in pushing for the buffer zones.
It is likely that the legislation will be introduced sometime in the new year.
Commenting after FMQs, Mackay thanked Sturgeon for her support and said that Wednesday’s ruling set a “vital precedent for Scotland and for my bill”.
She continued: “It is shocking that such laws are even necessary, and that so many people have had to suffer harassment. It’s time to end these appalling protests for good.
“That is why I am delighted to have the support of the First Minister and the Scottish Government and look forward to ensuring my bill is passed as soon as possible.
“All around the world we are seeing disgraceful attacks on the right to choose. Abortion rights are human rights and we must do everything we can to protect them.
“I hope that Scotland can soon follow the path that has been set by Northern Ireland and that other countries do the same.”
