Everyone deserves access to healthcare without harassment
Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay has condemned anti-choice protests taking place today outside the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow, with the first arrest reported under the Safe Access Zones legislation.
Ms Mackay introduced the bill that secured 200 metre wide safe access zones, or buffer zones, around abortion service providers to stop the intimidating anti-choice protests that have taken place across Scotland.
The Daily Record has also reported that US anti-choice campaign group 40 Days for Life have listed protests in Glasgow starting next month.
Ms Mckay said:
“The protests that have taken place outside Queen Elizabeth have been utterly shameful and I am grateful to Police Scotland for acting so quickly.
“This kind of intimidation has no place in a modern or progressive Scotland. Everybody deserves to have access to healthcare without harassment. That is why I introduced my Act, and why these disgraceful protests are now illegal.
“We know the awful impact that these protests have had. Some of the testimonies from women who have had to endure them have been heartbreaking.
“I urge 40 Days For Life and anyone else who is planning to protest in a safe access zone to think again, as they will be stopped and there will be consequences."
Ms Mackay added:
“It’s no coincidence that this has happened so soon after JD Vance and his supporters have spread toxic misinformation about Scotland, it is vital that we stand up for reproductive rights and against those who are working to undermine them.”
