New Abortion Buffer Zones Legislation Introduced in Scotland Today

A new law establishing buffer zones around abortion clinics throughout Scotland goes into effect today.

A new law establishing buffer zones around abortion clinics throughout Scotland goes into effect today.

The Safe Access Zones Bill was proposed by Central Scotland MSP Gillian Mackay, and has received approval from the Scottish Parliament.

This legislation creates a protest-free zone extending 200 meters around the clinics.

The clinics affected by the bill include the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh.

And the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Scotland Act is now in force across the country, bringing to an end the harrasement of patients and staff.

A huge thank you once again to everyone who has campaigned for this or shared your story, we wouldn't be here without you. pic.twitter.com/ThzAW2CYna

— Gillian Mackay MSP (@GillianMacMSP) September 24, 2024

This development comes a little more than three months after the Scottish Parliament unanimously approved the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act, with only one MSP voting against it.

Enforcement of the legislation will be the responsibility of Police Scotland, and individuals who violate the new laws may face substantial penalties, including an unlimited fine for the most serious offenses.

Gillian Mackay said on a post on X: “I am grateful to everyone who has supported the introduction of buffer zones, whether that is MSPs or groups like Back Off Scotland.

I hope this is a turning point and the beginning of the end of the protests, and that nobody else will have to endure them.”

Similar legislation will come into force in England and Wales on 31 October.