Proposed 200m Buffer Zones Around Scotland’s Abortion Clinics Are Unjustified, Says Expert
Omar Malik
04/03/24
(Image Credit: 40 Days for Life)
Proposals for 200 metre buffer zones outside Scotland’s abortion service providers have been called unjustified by a healthcare law expert.
Sessions began in the Scottish Parliament last week for a Bill that would restrict anti-abortion campaigners from protesting outside medical facilities.
Dr Mary Neal, an expert in medical law and ethics at Strathclyde University, says a 200 metre boundary Bill is unjustifiable: “Why does it need to be different in Scotland, which has a smaller population and is less crowded than England? It sounds as if the politicians are being swayed by lobbyists rather than by data.”
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill proposes a 200 metre boundary to protect women from receiving harassment from anti-abortion protesters.
If passed, pro-life campaigners protesting within these zones will face hefty fines.
But according to Dr Neal, anti-abortion campaigners may not be deterred by the Bill: “Protests can’t be prevented. You can penalise in certain places. But obviously you can’t stop people from expressing their opposition to abortion.”
As parliamentary scrutiny begins, initial evidence was heard from supporters of the proposal - including Back Off Scotland, an organisation which prompted discussions for such legislation to be implemented.
(Image Credit: Back Off Scotland)
The sessions come after Scotland’s newly appointed health secretary, Neil Gray, last month said a national ‘buffer zones’ law must be enacted promptly in order to stop protesters from demonstrating around medical facilities.
Prominent US-based anti-abortion organisation, 40 Days for Life, rejects being called a protest movement. The organisation, which has led protests internationally - including in Glasgow - refers to their efforts as a “peaceful all-day vigil” which seeks to end abortions being performed through prayer.
Following a Supreme Court ruling in December 2022, the likelihood of buffer zones being implemented in Scotland greatly increased.
Green Party MSP Gillian Mackay. (Image Credit: Katharine Hay/PA)
Initial plans saw protests being blocked within 150 metres of clinics - aligning with the legislation of England and Wales.
But since the Bill was proposed by Green Party MSP Gillian Mackay last October, Scotland is now set to introduce a 200 metre buffer zone policy - which pro-life organisation Right to Life UK has called the “world’s most extreme abortion buffer zone.”
40 Days for Life Campaigners. (Image Credit: Reach PLC)
Asked when a decision on the Bill is likely to be made, Dr Neal said “it depends on procedural happenings and political realities. There are groups that are keen to see it in force as soon as possible - and equally others who’ll be opposing it. So it’ll be interesting to watch the debates that develop around the process.”
The Scottish government is said to be “very supportive” of the Bill, meaning the proceedings could go by relatively quickly.
Evidence continues to be heard from both sides as the four sessions take place in the Scottish Parliament.