Campaigners leading calls for the introduction of buffer zones around abortion clinics have slammed the Scottish Government's decision to scrap its working group on the issue.
Back Off Scotland has said the decision to get rid of the group before a Bill has formally been introduced in the Scottish Parliament is 'ill thought out and premature'.
The working group was formed in 2021 to consider the short, medium, and long-term actions that could address the issue of protests following an escalation in the number taking place.
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However, a decision has been taken to disband the group now that its work has been 'concluded'.
Commenting on the decision, Back Off Scotland accused decision-makers of 'sitting on their hands'.
They added: "Not only were campaigning groups like ours - who represent the lived experiences of those affected by the protests - frozen out of this group, we've also been kept in the dark about the working timeline of the Bill.
"It's regretful that Scotland is now the only UK nation to not have passed buffer zone legislation and not offer women and staff protection from harassment when accessing healthcare.
"The delay in this legislation has nothing to do with carefully crafting a Bill – there is no drafted Bill, and even if there was there is a clear precedent set by bills passed in other legislatures – it is solely due to a lack of leadership on the issue by decision-makers who have had the power to make real change on this since 2020 but have sat on their hands."
Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto has affirmed the Scottish Government's view that national legislation is necessary to have the biggest impact and has said that they are still working to introduce it 'as soon as possible'.
Ms Minto said: “The Ministerial working group was formed in November 2021 to consider short, medium and long term actions to address anti-abortion activities which take place outside of healthcare facilities providing abortion services. We are clear that delivering national legislation is best and most secure route to ensure buffer zones are delivered and sustained.
“A significant proportion of the group’s work was considering the use of Local Authority bye-laws to potentially deliver the zones. That work has concluded, and we are now fully focused on supporting the drafting and development of Gillian Mackay MSP’s national Abortion Service Safe Access Zones (Scotland) Bill. We will continue to take forward discussions with stakeholders to ensure that robust and effective legislation is introduced as soon as possible.”
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon backed the creation of the buffer zones to prevent the "upset, distress and fear" anti-abortion campaigners were causing.
It was also supported by Humza Yousaf who said "introducing safe access zones in Scotland and ensuring women are able to access healthcare free from intimidation and harassment" was one of his key priorities.
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