Backing for buffer zones at abortion facilities

A PROPOSED law to ban protests outside abortion clinics is “necessary” to ensure women are free of intimidation, a Holyrood committee has said.

The health, social care and sport committee has unanimously agreed to the general principles of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill proposed by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay.

A committee report published today considered the conflicting human rights arguments relevant to the bill, but ultimately concluded they are “proportionate” to the aims of ensuring women are able to safely access healthcare.

Committee MSPs acknowledged concerns raised by opponents of the bill who said the proposals threaten their freedom to express their views in public spaces.

During the evidencegathering process, the committee heard concerns police may find it difficult to determine whether the law has been breached by those in silent prayer.

MSPs also heard from doctors who had concerns that protests outside premises could result in patients not accessing treatment, while women who had used the services reported anxiety.

The report states committee MSPs had a “difference of views” over silent prayers, with some suggesting it should be an explicit exemption to avoid the “criminalisation of private thoughts”.

Others said silent prayers “can still be intimidating” to those seeking abortion services.

The committee recommended the issue be discussed further at stage two. The bill will now proceed through the Scottish Parliament to be voted on at stage one.

Committee convener Clare Haughey said: “We recognise the strong views it has generated and that not all are in favour of its introduction.

“But we believe the creation of safe access zones around abortion services is necessary to enforce the principle everyone should be able to access healthcare free from intimidation or harassment.”