BANNED

MSPS vote in favour of restrictions at medical facilities to protect women

- ANDREW QUINN

EXTREMISTS who target women going to abortion clinics will be hit by a "buffer zone" ban on protests outside medical facilities.

MSPs last night voted to bring in the move to prevent so-called vigils outside clinics, organised by US-inspired anti-abortion activists, and put an end to the intimidation of those going in and out.

The Abortion Services Safe Access Zones (Scotland) Bill passed its final stage of consideration in the Scottish Parliament yesterday after a majority of MSPs voted in favour of it, with the ban set to kick in next month.

The move will create 200-metre (650ft) safe access zones outside 30 hospitals and clinics providing abortion services, preventing anti-choice groups from protesting outside.

A similar law has already been passed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.