Buffer zones proposal lodged by Scottish Green MSP
Rolling out buffer zones to protect the public from abuse and intimidation at abortion clinics will move a stage closer tomorrow (Thurs) with proposals being formally submitted to the Scottish Parliament.
Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay will submit them with officials in the morning, having processed more than 12,000 consultation responses to her bid to introduce safe access zones.
The proposals, which have been publicly backed by First Minister Humza Yousaf, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and others now require support from a minimum of 18 MSPs from two parties to secure the right to be formally introduced as business.
Once that happens the documents will be lodged with the parliament’s Chamber Desk and sit with officials for 30 days, before being progressed after summer recess. That will lead to Stage One of parliamentary scrutiny likely to begin around October.
MSPs would then consider and debate the proposals before having a chance to vote them into legislation once the process has been completed.
Ms Mackay, the Scottish Greens health spokesperson, said:
“Bringing in safe access zones for patients and staff around abortion clinics across Scotland is within touching distance.
“We can end the abuse and intimidation they have endured for too long and send a powerful message to the world about the right to choose.
“The overwhelming support I have received from party colleagues, First Minister’s past and present, and that of fellow MSPs, has been truly humbling and an inspirational counterweight to some of the unnecessary abuse I, my team, and supporters have received.
“But at long last we will be in a position to end the kind of disgraceful scenes we have witnessed outside health care facilities once and for all.
“A great many people have worked tirelessly for this, including Back Off Scotland, the STUC, BMA Scotland, Royal College of GPs and many others, including invaluable support from members of the Irish Government and supporters.
“This has been a long time coming and I do not doubt there may be further hurdles to face. But we are on the right side of history and I am determined to see safe buffer zones become an everyday reality across Scotland as quickly and effectively as possible.
“The right to safe, appropriate and above all dignified women’s health care should be viewed as a human right and this proposal is a vital step on that continuing journey.”