A SERIES of anti-abortion protests are set to begin today outside a hospital in Glasgow.
The newly established Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act will get its first big test on Wednesday as supporters of the US anti-abortion group 40 Days for Life plan to gather outside Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for the start of a series of “vigils” lasting from March 5 to April 13.
The act came into force last year and prohibits anti-abortion activists from protesting within 200m (656ft) of 30 clinics offering abortion services in Scotland.
The group has said it will stay outside the 200-metre exclusion zone in place around the hospital, with the “vigils” due to take place at the junction of Hardgate Road and Shieldhall Road, which is right on the edge of the zone.
The protests were organised after US vice president JD Vance falsely claimed that people who live within buffer zones had been sent letters by the Scottish Government warning them about praying within their own homes.
Last month, a 74-year-old woman became the first person in Scotland to be arrested over an alleged breach of the legislation.
Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who spearheaded the campaign in Holyrood to introduce buffer zones – said the law will face a “real test” as the protests begin.
This would allow ministers to consider whether the zone needs to be extended beyond 200m in future, something there is provision in the bill for due to some of the geographical challenges more urban sites presented.
On Wednesday, Mackay said that she will work with police and health authorities to ensure the legislation is upheld.
She said: “The days ahead will be a real test of my Safe Access Zones Act.
“I will work with Police Scotland and health providers to ensure that it is upheld and that people are able to access healthcare free from intimidation and harassment.
“For far too long, women have had to endure totally unacceptable abuse and obstruction outside hospitals. It should never have happened, and my Act to stop it received the overwhelming support of our parliament.
“I urge anyone else who is planning to protest to look at the testimonies from people who have had to endure gauntlets of graphic banners and ask themselves if they really want to be responsible for causing even more pain and upset.”
An organiser for 40 Days for Life previously pledged the group would not breach the law.
Mary Gilroy said: “The 40 Days for Life prayer group will not be operating within the buffer zone but will instead pray for help and protection for mothers and their unborn babies from a 200-metre distance from the abortion facility.
“We have arranged to meet with police services ahead of the planned dates and are grateful for our good working relations that protect our ability to pray.
“We invite anyone who wants to chat to us about support for continuing their pregnancy to feel free to do so.
“In a nation like Scotland, it should never be illegal to pray or to have a consensual conversation.”
