Anti-abortion protesters could be legally prevented from standing outside clinics under plans being pushed by a Scottish Green MSP.
Gillian Mackay has today launched a public consultation as the first step towards bringing a Members' Bill at the Scottish Parliament which could make buffer zones outside hospitals a reality.
It comes as around 100 anti-abortion protesters were seen standing outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow last month.
Campaigners and politicians slammed the "intimidating" tactics by American group 40 Days For Life who recruited Scots activist Rose Docherty to organise protests at the QEUH.
The group began "prayer vigils" on March 2 and stood outside every day until April 10.
Nicola Sturgeon has insisted protests should be held outside the Scottish Parliament and not outside hospitals.
Launching her consultation, Mackay said: "For too long people wishing to access healthcare where abortions are provided have risked facing intimidation from protestors gathered outside these facilities.
"It is time we ensured that everyone who needs to access abortion services can do so free from intimidation and harassment.
"That’s why I intend to bring forward legislation that would create protest free buffer zones outside these hospitals and clinics.
"I am launching a consultation to hear from the public, particularly from those who have experience of encountering such protests. By sharing their views, those with lived experience can help me develop the most appropriate and robust legislation possible.”
Health care professionals last month made a direct plea to women's health minister Maree Todd as they urged her to show "courage" and implement buffer zones as they are tired of watching patients "get bullied".
SNP MSP John Mason was previously been criticised by other politicians after claiming anti-abortion activists handing out leaflets to women attending clinics would not be “too bad”.
The MSP for Glasgow Shettleston caused controversy last year by arguing against the buffer zone plan.
The pro-life MSP said he had visited one of the gatherings in the past and claimed there had been no problems.
Asked by the Record whether he believes anti-abortion campaigners should be able to approach the women, he said:
“That’s where I would begin to have reservations, but that certainly wasn’t happening at the Queen Elizabeth [hospital] one.”
“Clearly in the United States there have been serious problems, but I am not aware of serious problems in Scotland.”
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