Abortion Safe Access Zones Bill goes out to views

Holyrood's Health, Social Care & Sport Committee has called for views on the bill which would establish "safe access zones" around locations where abortion services are provided, as it begins its stage 1 scrutiny of the bill.

Introduced by Green MSP Gillian Mackay, the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Scotland Bill would make it an offence to behave in certain ways within a safe access zone – areas within 200m of "protected premises" covered by the bill. Behaviour targeted includes influencing a person’s decision to access services, preventing them from accessing those services, or causing harassment or distress while they do so.

The bill also makes it an offence for someone within 200m of protected premises but not on public land (such as from their home) to act in a way that might result in pressure or distress for someone within a safe access zone who is accessing abortion services. There is provision for future protected premises to be created, and for the safe access zone radius surrounding a protected premises to be extended or reduced, if appropriate. 

Fines of up to £10,000 on summary conviction, or without limit on conviction on indictment, could be issued for those convicted of offences under the bill. 

Committee convener Clare Haughey MSP commented: "We recognise the strength of feeling about this bill. As a committee we always aim to consider any bill or issue in a careful, balanced and thorough way.

"We are committed to ensuring we scrutinise this bill in detail so that we can hear and consider all views.

"The bill’s stated aim is to ensure that people can access abortion services without fear of, and free from, intimidation, harassment or public judgement. We want to hear views from individuals and organisations on whether they agree with the proposals within this bill and if they would welcome the changes it would bring about."

Access the consultation here. Respondents are offered the options of completing a short survey or providing comments to a structured call for evidence.

The call for views closes on 20 December 2023.