Question reference: S6W-09409
- Asked by: Emma Roddick, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 28 June 2022
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 14 July 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
As agreed by the Ministerial-led working group on Safe Access Zones, independent research has been commissioned by the Scottish Government; part of this research will involve more formal monitoring of the prevalence, nature and impact of any vigils or protests with NHS Boards.
The Scottish Government also continues to discuss with NHS Board staff whether they have experienced issues or concerns relating to protests of vigils outside abortion clinics. We will continue to work with key stakeholders to ensure that evidence is gathered .
The Scottish Government is aware that recent vigils or protests have been held at the following locations in Glasgow: the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the Sandyford clinic and Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Vigils or protests have also been held earlier this year outside the Chalmers clinic in Edinburgh and Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. While there has been activity at other locations in the past, the Scottish Government is not aware of activity at any other locations having taken place during the past year.