Holyrood candidates back protest ‘buffer zones’ around capital abortion clinics.

Holyrood candidates have backed Edinburgh City Council’s decision to back protest ‘buffer zones’ around capital abortion clinics.

Sarah Masson supports buffer zone

Earlier this week, the council agreed to throw its weight behind a campaign to introduce 150-metre ‘no protest zones’ outside the entrance to the Chalmers Street Sexual Health Centre, to prevent women being harassed by pro-life campaigners.

The campaign group, Back Off Scotland, was started by Edinburgh University students, and set up in response to the harassment of women seeking abortion healthcare at the Chalmers Street clinic.

Anti-choice protests in Scotland date back to 1999, with hospitals and clinics across the country being targeted.

Chalmers Sexual Health Centre on Chalmers Street

Protestors often approach patients directly and have distributed medically inaccurate leaflets.

Now, Scottish Parliament candidates for the Edinburgh Western constituency have backed the council’s decision to support the introduction of buffer zones.

The SNP’s candidate, Sarah Masson, urged the Scottish government to consider rolling out the measure across the country.

Ms Masson said: “It’s quite simple. It is a basic right that we all are able to access confidential professional healthcare without intimidation.

Backing buffer sones: Alex Cole-Hamilton

“These health centres, such as Chalmers Sexual Health Clinic in Edinburgh, offer a range of services and women should be free to access them in peace, without harassment or intimidation from others on arrival.

“I was incredibly glad to see Edinburgh City Council back the calls from the campaigners. It is a significant step forward for the campaign.

“However, I agree with Back Off Scotland that this issue is better tackled nationally.

“The Scottish Government have a track record for standing up for women so I urge them to consider introducing these measures, and call on all other candidates to get behind the campaign to enshrine women’s rights in law”

Edinburgh Western MSP, and Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson, Alex Cole-Hamilton, said: “I’m so glad there’s finally signs of movement on this issue.

“For years my party and I have backed campaigners calling to set up these zones.

“Every patient should be able to receive the medical treatment they need without fear of harassment or intimidation.

“Councils in England have been setting up these zones where necessary, to protect both clinical staff and those attending appointments.

“I've been asking Scottish ministers about this for three years. Unfortunately, the Scottish government dragged its feet and dodged a commitment.

“So I’m hoping when they finally get around the table, they grant permission to all 32 councils to have authority over these laws.

"I know so many campaigners have been dedicated to this cause and I thank all them for their endeavours.

“To mention a few, the students from Edinburgh University who’ve gained traction in their campaign, alongside those from ‘Back Off Scotland’.

“I wished it hadn’t taken so long, but there’s some positive signs for hope, we just need the Government to get on with it now.”

The Conservative candidate, and current Pentland Hills councillor, Susan Webber, said: “The right place for debating matters such as the introduction of buffer zones at sexual health clinics is the Scottish Parliament.

“And like anything that can be personal, private and often emotionally distressing, it is important that we respect the dignity and safety of all women accessing these vital services.”

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