The Highlands MSP and former SNP finance secretary was criticised by buffer zone campaign group Back off Scotland.
by Alasdair Clark
November 26 2023
Campaigners have accused SNP MSP Kate Forbes of making “ignorant comments” after she defended silent prayer outside of abortion clinics.
Ms Forbes shared her views on the upcoming Holyrood legislation which could see buffer zones imposed around clinics.
If backed by MSPs, the bill would prevent protest within 200 metres of medical facilities.
Sept 27, 2023
By Craig Williams, BBC Scotland
Pro-choice activists are calling on MSPs to speed up the creation of buffer zones around Scotland's abortion clinics.
The Scottish government is backing a bill which would ban anti-abortion groups from gathering outside clinics.
But campaigners for buffer zones say Scotland is being left behind the rest of the UK.
May 3, 2023
By Morven Mckinnon, BBC Scotland News
Pro-choice activists have raised concerns after the Scottish government disbanded a working group on abortion buffer zones. Back Off Scotland, which wants curbs on protests near clinics, accused ministers of sitting "on their hands".
A members bill proposed by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay would set up 150m "safe access" zones around sites.
Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-65472848
22nd March 2023
By Andrew Learmonth
THE SNP's John Mason has been accused of "hijacking" plans for a new Baby Loss Memorial Book.
The Glasgow Shettleston MSP has tabled a motion in parliament welcoming the proposal but called for "more equality for all unborn babies in the future” and compared miscarriage and premature death to abortion.
Labour's Monica Lennon said Mr Mason was trying to "undermine abortion rights."
Continued: https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/23404059.snp-msp-john-mason-fire-anti-abortion-motion/
Concerns that Scotland lagging behind rest of UK as anti-abortion protests continue outside clinics
Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent
Mon 13 Mar 2023
Pro-choice campaigners are urging all Scottish National party leadership candidates to commit to accelerating the imposition of protest-free buffer zones around abortion clinics, as healthcare professionals describe the “remorseless” impact of anti-choice activity on their working lives.
Amid growing concern that Scotland is trailing behind the rest of the UK, after safe access zones passed their final parliamentary hurdle in the Commons last week, there was a protest and counter-protest outside the Sandyford clinic in Glasgow at the weekend. The clinic offers a range of services including abortion, support for sexual assault victims and transgender healthcare.
Dec 7, 2022
By Jayne McCormack, BBC News NI political correspondent
A bill to ban anti-abortion protests at Northern Ireland health clinics does not "disproportionately interfere" with protesters' rights, the Supreme Court has ruled.
Former assembly member Clare Bailey developed the bill to set up so-called safe access zones outside clinics where abortions are carried out.
It was voted through the assembly in March by a majority of parties. It was delayed from becoming law after the attorney general intervened.
Continued: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-63886414
By Lynsey Bews
Sept 28, 2022
A US anti-abortion campaign group has said it will help mount a legal challenge if a law to implement buffer zones is passed in Scotland.
Texas-based 40 Days for Life is already active outside clinics and hospitals in Scotland.
The group's volunteers carry out what they term "vigils" but others claim the protests intimidate vulnerable women.
29th May
By PA News Agency
Medical leaders have made a renewed call for legislation to protect women from “unacceptable” harassment and intimidation outside abortion clinics.
The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), which represents more than 14,000 UK doctors, has issued a new position statement calling for a nationwide network of buffer zones around abortion clinics.
MP fears being ‘ousted’ after voting against decriminalising abortion in Northern Ireland
‘It was a free vote, a conscience vote. I didn’t rebel or vote against the party whip. And yet now it’s virtually certain that abusive party activists will make sure I’m deselected and lose the job I love’
Maya Oppenheim, Women’s Correspondent
July 13, 2019
An MP for the Scottish National Party has raised concerns she will be deselected by the party after voting against the legalisation of abortion in Northern Ireland.
MPs resoundingly backed the right to abortion in the country in a historic vote earlier in the week. Northern Ireland currently has a ban on abortion in almost all cases – even rape or incest. Women seeking a termination can face life imprisonment.
Tory leadership: Hunt rules out change to abortion law
10 June 2019
Jeremy Hunt has ruled out any changes to abortion law if he becomes the UK's next prime minister.
The Tory leadership contender has been criticised after saying his "personal view" was that the legal time limit for an abortion should be reduced from 24 weeks to 12.
But he told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg: "No government I lead will ever seek to change the law on abortion."
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