'Landmark moment' as abortion buffer zone bill goes to committee

Green MSP Gillian Mackay has lauded her abortion buffer zone Bill going before a Holyrood committee for the first time as a "landmark moment". The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will begin its scrutiny of the Abortion Services Bill today.

The Bill would place a 200 metre 'safe-zone' around facilities that provide abortions. It was brought forward in response to vigils and protests being held across the country including at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus in Glasgow.

Ms Mackay said: "This session will mark the start of parliamentary scrutiny for my Bill.

"It is a landmark moment for the legislation and for reproductive rights in Scotland.

"So many people have endured totally unacceptable harassment from protesters.

"I am really keen that it is their experience which is at the heart of the process and that shapes our response, to ensure that nobody else has to go through what they have.

"These awful protests have become a regular sight outside our hospitals and medical centres.

"My Bill is about ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare they are entitled to without having to endure a gauntlet of intimidation."

But 40 Days for Life, which organises vigils outside clinics, has defended the action, with the group's US-based chief executive Shawn Carney rejecting accusations of harassment.

A deadline of May 3 has been set for the initial vote on the Bill.

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