Call to anti-abortion protesters ahead of Holyrood session

ANTI-CHOICE protesters should “consider” their actions ahead of giving evidence to MSPs on the bill designed to prohibit them from staging demonstrations, according to the politician leading the legislation.

Opponents of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill will give their perspective on the legislation to Holyrood’s Health Committee today in what could be the most heated evidence session yet.

If passed, the bill would create 200-metre “buffer zones” around places that provide abortion services, within which protesting against termination will be illegal.

So far the committee has heard from those with lived experience of facing anti-abortion protesters, clinicians and those who would be responsible for enforcing the legislation.

But this week MSPs will be asking questions of those who oppose the measures in the bill as well as faith groups some of which will have a settled position, while others may not. Green MSP Gillian Mackay who is spearheading the legislation told The National she anticipates it will be a difficult session for MSPs.

And ahead of it, Mackay (pictured) urged all protesters to consider how their actions impact people going for abortions.

She said: “Over the last fortnight the committee has heard from prochoice campaigners and medical experts who have supported my bill. They have spoken very powerfully and movingly about the terrible toll these protests have on service users and staff, and the urgent need for safe access zones.

“My heart and my solidarity is with the people who are being forced to pass a gauntlet of placards and banners. The protesters know about the impact that they are having. They know that people feel judged, intimidated and harassed. Do they not care that they are making so many people feel this way?”

Mackay added: “I urge all of the protesters to consider their own roles and the awful impact of their words and their banners.”