THE introduction of buffer zones around facilities that provide abortion services will be one of the proudest legacies of devolution, the Scottish Greens said today.

Scottish Greens health spokesperson Gillian Mackay is tabling a member’s Bill to establish 150-metre zones, within which protests would be banned, surrounding sites providing abortion services.

The MSP said: “The introduction of buffer zones will be one of the proudest legacies of devolution, and I am delighted that we are so close to delivering it.   

“Abortion rights are healthcare and they must be protected and expanded.

“Nobody should be obstructed or harassed when accessing healthcare, yet far too many people across Scotland have to endure a gauntlet of intimidation and abuse.

“The 12,000 responses that I received for my consultation show the strength of feeling. It is time to stop the harassment and end these protests for good.

“The precedent that was set in Northern Ireland was historic and I hope that Scotland can follow it as soon as possible.”