First Minister backs calls for emergency summit on abortion protests
Nicola Sturgeon says she's willing to chair an emergency summit on anti-abortion protests herself, after calls from Monica Lennon and Back Off Scotland, among others
Last updated 12th May 2022
The First Minister has backed calls from MSP Monica Lennon and campaigners such as back off Scotland for an emergency summit on anti-abortion protests.
In fact Nicola Sturgeon says she will chair it herself.
Lennon and campaign groups, as well as doctors, wrote to the FM requesting the summit after growing 'pro-life' protests in front of medical facilities.
Campaigners want to see buffer zones brought in, restricting how close these demos can get to hospitals and clinics.
Nicola Sturgeon told First Minister's Questions:
"Women have the right to access abortion without fear or intimidation.
"To that end, let me say again to anyone wanting to protest against abortion, do it outside parliament, protesting outside hospitals or sexual health clinics targets women not law makers.
"I strongly support the introduction of buffer zones and the government is actively considering how this Parliament can legislate in a way that is effective and also capable of withstanding legal challenge.
"We will support any local authority that is willing to use by-laws to establish buffer zones.
"I am very happy to convene and indeed I will personally chair a round-table summit to discuss buffer zones and indeed any other matters that need to be addressed to ensure safe and timely access to abortion services in Scotland within the current law."