Call for ban on pro-life protesters at abortion providers

‘Massively intimidating’

PROTESTERS should be banned from demonstrating directly outside abortion clinics in Scotland, according to the Liberal Democrats.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, the party’s health spokesman, said women should be able to access treatment without ‘fear of harassment’.

His comments came after women attending medical appointments at the Chalmers Centre in Edinburgh were allegedly subjected to ‘massively intimidating’ situations by pro-life demonstrators.

Unlike local authorities in England, councils in Scotland do not have the power to introduce buffer zones.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said ‘buffer zones’ should be introduced around abortion clinics to protect women turning up for appointments.

He added: ‘The Scottish Government ought to look seriously at these proposals. It is possible to uphold freedom of speech and the right to protest peacefully while also ensuring women are able to attend medical appointments without intimidation.’

Local Government and Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: ‘The Scottish Government recognises that protests can often be distressing for women attending hospital and we are continuing to monitor any reports about anti-abortion protests and to consider whether there is further action that should be taken as a result.’