PA MediaThe MSP responsible for introducing buffer zones near abortion clinics has hailed the first day of the new law as “crucial”.
Green MSP Gillian Mackay is behind the bill which prevents anti-abortion protesters from gathering within 200m (656ft) of clinics where the procedure is performed.
The zone, which is now alive, was introduced as a result of Mackay Safe Access Zones Scotland Actwhich was passed in June with the support of 118 MSPs from across the Chamber.
The law aims to stop patient harassment. There are now secure access zones in 30 health facilities across the country.
PA MediaClinics affected by the bill include Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh and Ninewells Hospital Dundee.
In the buffer zone, criminal acts act in ways that can influence women’s and staff’s decisions to access services.
Stopping women and staff from entering the clinic or causing alarm, disturbance or distress will also be an offence.
Anyone who breaks the new Safe Access Zone laws can be fined up to £10,000 or an unlimited amount in more serious cases.
Police Scotland will be responsible for enforcing the law.
Speaking as the legislation came into effect, Mackay said: “This is an important day for reproductive rights and healthcare in Scotland.
“We hope this will be the end of the intimidation and harassment that we see people accessing health.”
He added: “From the moment I saw the footage of the protest, I could see how much damage was being done and how many people were affected. I knew I had to do everything I could to stop it.
“Over the coming days and weeks, I will be working with the Scottish government to ensure that patients and staff know where protesters can and cannot be, so that they can report any illegal activity.”
Protection for women
Mackay praised the work of campaign groups such as Back Off Scotland, which supported her legislation, and also thanked women who shared their “often difficult and traumatic stories” of protesting outside clinics.
He said: “I hope this is the turning point and the beginning of the end of the protests, and no one else has to suffer.”
The Scottish Government also backed Mackay’s legislation, with women’s health minister Jenni Minto saying: “The introduction of Safe Access Zones is an important milestone in protecting women’s abortion rights.”
The minister added: “No one has the right to interfere with a woman’s personal medical decisions and the law is now very clear.”
He praised Mackay and others campaigning for the change, paying tribute to “the women who showed incredible courage in speaking out and sharing their experiences during the Bill process”
Minto said: “The new zone of 200m (656ft) around all abortion services will help to ensure that women have safe access to health – free from intimidation. This law is about protection for women at a time when many will feel incredibly vulnerable around taking a decision. personal and difficult.”
Similar laws will come into effect in England and Wales on October 31.
Autumn ‘vigil’ in Edinburgh
Several groups and organizations have participated in events outside of abortion clinics in recent years.
The biggest and highest is 40 Days To Live.
They started in the US and have expanded to 64 countries around the world.
Since 2014, supporters of the group have regularly appeared in front of clinics in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Twice a year – during Lent and in autumn – they do what they call a “vigil” of 40 days of silent prayer.
The group’s website is advertising the start of an autumn vigil at the Chalmers Street clinic in Edinburgh on Thursday.
The BBC has contacted the organization to ask how this will be done in the context of the new law.
While 40 Days For Life is not an official Catholic Church organization, individual churches and dioceses advertise and support the campaign, and other churches also meet with outside clinics.
