Abortion protest ban 'necessary'

MSPS say law strikes a balance between demos and healthcare

- REBECCA MCCURDY

A PROPOSED law to ban protests outside abortion clinics is "necessary" to ensure women are free of intimidation, a Holyrood committee has said.

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has unanimously agreed to the general principles of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill proposed by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay.

A report published by the committee today considered the conflicting human rights issues but concluded the moves are "proportionate" to the law's aims of ensuring women can safely access healthcare.

It acknowledged the concerns raised by opponents who said the Bill threatens their freedom to express their views in public spaces.