Public consultation launched into 'buffer zones' around abortion clinics
MSP Gillian MacKay is today launching a public consultation on her member's bill to introduce buffer zones around hospitals and clinics which provide abortion services
A public consultation into buffer zones around abortion clinics is set to be launched today.
A member's bill on the issue has been launched by MSP Gillian MacKay.
The Green politician is looking to see areas established around hospitals and clinics where abortions are carried out, where protests would be banned.
It follows a number of 'pro-life' rallies being held across the country in front of facilities.
Campaigners and medical professionals have said this has caused great distress to women having procedures carried out.
"I think it's essential that we hear from everybody who's been impacted or know someone who has been impacted by these protests outside of abortion clinics and services, it's essential that we hear that lived experience." MacKay told us.
It's become clear there is plenty of support for buffer zones across the chamber at Holyrood, but acting on calls hasn't been particularly quick.
MacKay hopes this members bill can tackle that issue, saying:
"I think at the moment, there's obviously been a stalemate between local and national government as to who has or has not the powers to be able to do this.
"I think that's where the member's bill comes in, and where the process is useful to break that stalemate and make sure that we can make progress and ensure that no one's being harassed at the services.
"What we don't want is to end up with a legal challenge that would strike the bill down and then we're back to square one, we need to make sure that it comes forward as quickly as possible. But it's also robust."
The MSP does predict the proposal will hear from some of those who have been part of the protests.
"I think we're now beyond the stage where we we can even call these protests peaceful. We know they cause intimidation. We know they cause harm to people who are accessing the services."