YOUR 40 DAYS ARE NUMBERED

MSPs’ buffer zone Dill will force protesters 6oft away from. facilities offering terminations

- KAITLIN EASTON

A US anti-abortion group that targets women outside health centres is ramping up operations as MSPs bid to bring in "buffer zones".

Texas-based organisation 40 Days for Life are due to begin nationwide protests this month as new laws to protect women at healthcare facilities are discussed at Holyrood.

Healthcare facilities offering abortion services in Scotland have been repeatedly targeted in recent years.

They include the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Sandyford Clinic, Edinburgh Chalmers Street Clinic and Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.

Members of 40 Days for Life have spent up to 12 hours a day standing outside the clinics, clutching rosary beads and holding signs bearing phrases including, "We can help you".

The Daily Record can reveal a campaign will begin on February 14 and comes as consideration of stage 1 of the Abortion Services Safe Access Zones (Scotland) Bill begins.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon has been a staunch supporter of buffer zone legislation and says the next wave of protests is "extremely concerning".