PROPOSALS for a buffer zone around abortion services in Scotland will now go out to formal public consultation, it was announced today.

It marks the latest step for the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill, proposed by Green MSP Gillian Mackay, which would effectively ban protests within 200 metres of abortion facilities with unlimited fines for “serious breaches.”

Ms Mackay had carried out her own consultation on the proposals to limit the anti-choice protests often present at the facilities, gaining some 12,000 responses.

But as the Bill, which has garnered cross-party backing of 70 MSPs, including the First Minister, moves into its committee stage, the formal process has now begun.

The health, social care and sport committee at Holyrood has vowed to “consider all views” and chairwoman, SNP’s Clare Haughey, said she wants to hear from all sides of the debate.

She said: “We recognise the strength of feeling about this Bill.

“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.”

Ms Mackay welcomed this next step in the process, saying: “This is a key moment and marks the start of parliamentary scrutiny for my member’s Bill.

“I hope that as many people as possible engage with the process.

“This is a crucial Bill and I want it to be as effective and robust as possible.”

She added: “There is no excuse for the intimidation and harassment that far too many people have been forced to endure outside hospitals all over Scotland.

“It is totally wrong, and my Bill will end it for good.”