Question reference: S6W-09052
- Asked by: Emma Roddick, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 10 June 2022
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 21 June 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports of patients at abortion clinics in the Central Belt being harassed at these premises, whether it is monitoring activity at hospitals and clinics across the country, and whether instances of intimidation have occurred elsewhere in Scotland.
Answer
The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that women can access abortion services safely and without fear of intimidation or harassment.
The Scottish Government is commissioning independent research which will provide evidence of protests and vigils. Gillian Mackay MSP has launched a consultation on buffer zones, and the Scottish Government asks anyone with an interest to respond.
We also continue to encourage hospitals and clinics to report protests and vigils as they happen to Police Scotland to ensure they are dealt with in an appropriate manner.