A SCOTTISH Green MSP has called on the Scottish Government to "potentially extend" the size of a buffer zone for anti-abortion protests outside of a Glasgow hospital.
Gillian Mackay, who promoted the legislation in Holyrood which brought buffer zones into force, has written to the public health minister following an investigation by the Sunday National.
We told how, despite the 200-metre no-protest zone outside of Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), more than one hundred anti-abortion protesters gathered on the edge of the buffer zone to hold a “vigil”.
40 Days for Life, a well-funded Texas-based evangelical organisation, holds a protest every year during Lent. This year, despite being outside of the buffer zone, concerns were raised that the no-protest zone was not large enough and that patients were still being impacted.
Mackay told The National that she had written to public health and women’s health minister Jenni Minto after complaints were made about the Glasgow protest, which was on one of the main routes into the hospital campus.
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill includes a provision to extend a buffer zone if it is considered “proportionate” to do so.
In the letter to Minto, seen by The National, Mackay (below) wrote: “As I am sure you are aware, there have been ongoing anti-abortion protests outside of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
“While these have been taking place outside of the safe access zone, I have had a significant amount of correspondence regarding the impact of these protests. Many have highlighted that the junction where the protests are taking place is one that cannot be avoided for a particular entrance to the hospital.
She added that there have been a number of requests to consider a “potential extension” of the buffer zone.
“I would be grateful if you could consider any extension that may be required to the zone,” Mackay (above) added.
Speaking to The National, the MSP said: “Safe access zones were introduced to protect patients and staff at our hospitals, and for the most part, that is what they are doing. But at QEUH we have seen protests continuing on one of the main entry routes to the hospital.
“The QEUH in Glasgow has quite unique challenges due to its location compared to other hospitals. From the correspondence that I and others have received, there are concerns about the patients and staff having no choice but to pass the protests.”
Mackay added: “Abortion services are vital healthcare. Nobody should have to pass graphic placards and intimidating groups on their way to hospital for any type of medical appointment.
“I urge the dozens of protesters who have gathered over recent weeks to read the testimony of the many women who have felt intimidated by their presence and reconsider their actions going forward.
“To anyone who has been impacted by recent anti-choice protests, please get in touch with myself or the Scottish Government, so that we can consider how to make these spaces even safer moving forward.”
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
