Nobody should be harassed accessing healthcare
The anti-choice protests beginning this week will be a major test of Scotland’s safe access zones, says Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay.
Speaking on the morning of expected protests near to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow, Ms Mackay has said that she will work with Police Scotland to ensure that laws are followed.
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.
Ms Mackay said:
“The days ahead will be a real test of my Safe Access Zones Act. I will work with Police Scotland and health providers to ensure that it is upheld and that people are able to access healthcare free from intimidation and harassment.
“For far too long women have had to endure totally unacceptable abuse and obstruction outside hospitals. It should never have happened, and my Act to stop it received the overwhelming support of our parliament.
“I urge anyone else who is planning to protest to look at the testimonies from people who have had to endure gauntlets of graphic banners and ask themselves if they really want to be responsible for causing even more pain and upset."
Ms Mackay added:
"Abortion rights are human rights. They were long fought for and, especially when they are being undermined and eroded in the US and beyond, I will always stand up for the right to choose.”