NewsScotland: Safe Access Zones now in place

Scotland: Safe Access Zones now in place

Police Scotland are now enforcing protected zones of 200 metres around all abortion services.

Within the zones, it is a criminal offence to behave in a way that might influence the decision of women and staff to access services, impede their access, or cause alarm, harassment or distress.

Examples of criminal behaviour could be: approaching someone to persuade them not to access abortion services, surrounding people trying to go in or out of the clinic/hospital, handing out leaflets, preaching or silent vigils.

‘No one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions,’ said Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto.

‘The new zones of 200 meters around all abortion services will help ensure women have safe access to healthcare – free from intimidation. This law is about protection for women at a time when many will feel incredibly vulnerable around taking a deeply personal and difficult decision.’

Image | Shutterstock

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