Scottish Parliament committee to ‘consider all views’ on abortion buffer zones
A Scottish Parliament committee is to “consider all views” on an abortion buffer zones bill which would make protests outside clinics illegal.
Green MSP Gillian Mackay’s bill was presented to politicians earlier this month and is expected to receive cross-party support and backing from the government.
The Abortion Services Safe Access Zones (Scotland) Bill would create 200m (656ft) “safe access” zones around clinics and other facilitates which carry out abortions.
Fines could be issued to individuals found to be demonstrating within the zones – with an unlimited penalty for serious breaches.
There has been an increase in groups gathering outside clinics in recent years, with demonstrations held outside Glasgow‘s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow and the Royal Infirmary.
The American-based 40 Days for Life group holds “vigils” twice a year, where members stand outside clinics, praying and displaying messages which are criticised by human rights groups.
Anti-abortionists say they would will challenge any such law preventing their protests in the courts.
Holyrood’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will scrutinise the Bill, taking into account the views of supporters and opponents.
Convener Clare Haughey said: “We recognise the strength of feeling about this Bill. As a committee we always aim to consider any Bill or issue in a careful, balanced and thorough way.
“We are committed to ensuring we scrutinise this Bill in detail so that we can hear and consider all views.
“The Bill’s stated aim is to ensure that people can access abortion services without fear of, and free from, intimidation, harassment or public judgment.
“We want to hear views from individuals and organisations on whether they agree with the proposals within this Bill and if they would welcome the changes it would bring about.”
Pro choice campaigners say abortion protests are distressing for those attending services.
Speaking about the bill, reproductive rights activist Gemma Clark said: “These protests have a massive impact and people have had a lot of messages over the last couple of years of people that have appointments coming up and they’ve been frightened to attend.
“They’ve been worried about passing these people.
“I’ve heard from people that had to walk past them, probably going through some very traumatic things, so it’s gonna have a great impact on people in Scotland that this harassment will be coming to an end and people won’t have to worry about this about being being faced with a mobile protesters when they’re trying to access healthcare.”
However, those on the other side believe buffer zones would impede free speech.
Right To Life UK spokesperson, Catherine Robinson, said: “This legislation is not only a direct attack on free expression and public association based on viewpoint, it is entirely unnecessary insofar as harassment and intimidation are already illegal.
“Wherever they occur, existing legislation can and should be used to put a stop to them.”
