Campaigners write to First Minister asking for "emergency summit" on anti-abortion protests

A Central Scotland MSP and campaign groups are calling on the First Minister to convene an emergency summit on anti-abortion protests.

Monica Lennon, along with more than a dozen organisations including Back Off Scotland and Rape Crisis Scotland, have sent a letter to the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon demanding an emergency summit to discuss attacks on abortion rights.

They also want to see buzzer zones - limits to how close protests can come to any medical facility - introduced.

It comes as pro-life rallies in front of medical clinics continue to grow in size and frequency around the country,

Lennon said: "The anti-abortion protesters targeting healthcare facilities are having a terrible impact on women, and I think it's important that they are confronted with that reality.

“The Scottish Government’s failure to take swift action is only emboldening the protesters, and gatherings are getting bigger and more frequent.

“There is now an urgent need for the Scottish Government to set up buffer zones through national legislation, because we need harassment-free and safe access to abortion healthcare in Scotland.”

She continued: “An emergency summit should be called, led by the Scottish Government, with contributions from MSPs, women’s organisations, people with lived experience and clinicians.

“We need urgent action from Scottish Government - and we need it now.”

Women’s Health Minister Maree Todd said:

“All women should be able to access universal healthcare, including abortion services, safely and without fear of harassment or judgement. There is no place in our society for the harassment, abuse and intimidation of women and girls accessing healthcare services.

“The Scottish Government supports the introduction of buffer zones. We have established a working group including partners like Police Scotland, COSLA, NHS Boards and local authorities to ensure any measures taken can withstand legal challenge. Clearly the recent referral of the Northern Irish Buffer Zone legislation to the UK Supreme Court has a potential to add to the complexity of this issue, and we will be monitoring the progress of the case closely.

“I have also confirmed that the Scottish Government will work constructively with Gillian Mackay MSP on her planned Bill on buffer zones. I look forward to a consultation being opened soon.”

A spokesperson said: “Back Off Scotland fully supports Monica Lennon’s calls for an emergency summit on the ongoing anti-abortion protests occurring across Scotland.

“We are shocked that in addition to a lack of action, there has been no comment from Scotland’s Women’s Health Minister, Maree Todd, about the Roe v Wade leak. There are real, tangible threats to abortion access in Scotland that are going unchallenged under her jurisdiction.

“We have heard countless stories over the past few weeks from women who have experienced harassment when accessing abortion services here in Scotland. How many more women need to come forward with their stories before the government listens to them?

“The Women’s Health Minister, Maree Todd, claims that she wants Scotland to be world leading on women’s healthcare, yet her inaction is emboldening these protestors. If she cannot show courage and legislate on this issue, then she must step aside for somebody that will.”

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