The legislation for buffer zones surrounding abortion clinics has been deemed “crucial” on its first day of implementation by Green MSP, Gillian Mackay. Mackay was responsible for introducing the bill that prevents anti-abortion protesters from gathering within 200m of clinics where the procedure takes place. The zones, which are operational from today, will prevent patients from being subjected to harassment around 30 health facilities throughout the country.
Offences within the boundary tape will include behaving in a way that could affect an individual’s decision to access abortion services. Additionally, anyone caught stopping female patients or healthcare staff from entering the clinics or causing alarm, harassment or distress will face criminal charges. Fines of up to £10,000 are expected for any violations, potentially increasing for more severe crimes. Policemen in Scotland will be accountable for enforcing the zones’ stability.
Following the implementation of the legal change, Mackay expressed that it is a significant day for reproductive rights and healthcare in Scotland. She expressed her hopes that the end of protests and intimidation that have been witnessed around healthcare institutions will come to an end. The MSP also thanked those who expressed their views and urged healthcare staff and patients to report any illegal incidents emerging around buffer zones.
The Scottish government also supported the buffer zone legislation, with women’s health minister Jenni Minto describing it as a crucial step in protecting women’s abortion rights. Similar legislation is set to take effect in Wales and England on 31 October. Minto claimed that the buffer zone of 200m around all abortion facilities will ensure that females have safe access to healthcare and the law intends to protect them at an intensely vulnerable moment in their lives by taking a significant personal and difficult decision
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