An MSP is asking for views on proposals to establish anti-protest zones around abortion clinics, ahead of proposing a Members’ Bill.

Gillian Mackay, Green Party MSP, says anti-abortion activity outside healthcare facilities has been ‘organised, widespread, and persistent’, especially since 2014.

Under legislation she hopes to soon introduce to parliament, the Scottish government would be responsible for establishing blanket provision of a 150m buffer zone around all facilities that provide abortion care.

Those found to be blocking access to clinics, demonstrating with leaflets or posters or photographing a person within the area could be charged with a criminal offence. Repeat offenders could see up to two years in prison.

Ms Mackay says legislation is the only way to protect those seeking reproductive care from harassment. She said:

“For too long people wishing to access healthcare where abortions are provided have risked facing intimidation from protestors gathered outside these facilities.

“It is time we ensured that everyone who needs to access abortion services can do so free from intimidation and harassment.

“That’s why I intend to bring forward legislation that would create protest-free buffer zones outside these hospitals and clinics.

“Today, I am launching a consultation to hear from the public, particularly from those who have experience of encountering such protests. By sharing their views, those with lived experience can help me develop the most appropriate and robust legislation possible.”

A contract notice has shown Ministers are looking to better understand the prevalence and impact of protests and vigils outside clinics across Scotland. Research is due to begin in August this year and will run until at least February 2024.

The First Minister told parliament last week that she will convene and chair an emergency summit on abortion clinic protests. Nicola Sturgeon has previously condemned the actions of anti-abortion activities outside clinics but said legal processes around buffer zones are “complex”.

Ms Mackay’s consultation says the largest targeted anti-abortion gathering on record in the UK took place outside Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in 2018, with around 200
people. A similar presence was reported in 2022, with more than 100 people.

Ms Mackay says she expects to lodge a final proposal in the parliament along with a summary of consultation responses.

The Safe Access (Abortion Services) Scotland Bill consultation opened this morning for 12 weeks, welcoming views of the public and healthcare professionals, especially those with experience of giving or receiving abortion care.

Read more: Ministers order research into abortion clinic protests; Ministers publish ambitions for women’s health; Call for abortion clinic protest buffer zones

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