John Mason has been branded "offensive" after the SNP MSP claimed women entering abortion clinics "effectively found themselves on a conveyor belt".
Nicola Sturgeon said she "vehemently" disagreed with the outspoken Nationalist - who is a firm opponent of her government's plan to back legislation which could limit anti-abortion protests outside health facilities.
The SNP leader was joined by public health minister Maree Todd at a summit in Edinburgh which brought together police and council chiefs to hear how women's access to abortion could be protected.
READ MORE: Glasgow could introduce first abortion buffer zone in Scotland
Mason, the MSP for Shettleston, had earlier used an interview to claim he had heard from patients who had suffered "very bad experiences" at clinics after they "effectively found themselves on a conveyor belt".
Todd later said she found the comments to be “quite offensive”.
She added that while she “profoundly” disagrees with Mason’s views, he has a right to express them – but said she felt he is “very much in a minority in our party, and probably in a minority in Scotland”.
The First Minister also spoke of Mason’s right to his own views, but said: “I vehemently disagree with John Mason on this issue. I am very strongly pro a woman’s right to choose.
“I understand that people take a different view. But actually, this is not just about that. This is about access to healthcare.
“We wouldn’t tolerate for any other kind of healthcare, people, as they enter a hospital or a clinic, being subject to intimidation or harassment, and we shouldn’t tolerate it, in my view, for women accessing abortion services.”
Shirley-Anne Somerville, the education secretary, also criticised her party colleague.
She tweeted: "I respect people have different views on abortion however John Mason’s latest response shows he understands very little about what goes on either inside or outside clinics."
Speaking to Radio Clyde, Mason said: "Some women have gone through abortions and had very bad experiences.
"I have heard people speak, and had one or two emails, since this was being discussed, over the bad experiences some people have had.
"I'm not saying it's every case - but in some cases women have gone to these clinics and effectively found themselves on a conveyor belt.
"There's been very little information about the pros and the cons of having an abortion."
He added: "I think one of the arguments for these vigils, or protests, is that women should have the opportunity to hear there is two sides".
Mason was previously condemned for saying that he does not see “any great need” for buffer zones around abortion clinics in Scotland.
In an e mail response to an inquiry, Mason said he was “pretty positive” about the US court ruling which overturned the 50-year-old Roe vs Wade case that guaranteed abortion rights across America.
He linked the return to individual US states ruling on abortion instead of federal law to the devolution of powers over the abortion process to the Scottish parliament.
He said: “In the first place it is good for democracy as decisions on abortion will be made at state level rather than United States wide."
"This brings the US into line with the UK with decisions on abortion are made at a Scotland or England level or not a UK level.”
Mason added: “However, I fully accept that the key issues here is abortion itself. I note points people are making about women’s rights. However others would argue that from the point of conception, there are two people with the rights both the woman and the baby. So I very much see my role as speaking out for the weaker party, namely the baby.”
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