New Protected Zones from 24 September
From 24 September 2024 it will be an offence to intentionally or recklessly influence, harass or prevent anyone from accessing or providing abortion services in protected zones around certain hospitals and clinics.
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 comes into force and creates protected zones of 200 metres around all premises providing abortion services.
Within those zones, it will be a criminal offence to behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.
I very much welcome these new regulations coming into force.
GRAEME
I was keen to support this legislation from the outset and feel it sets an important precedent.
It is completely unacceptable to harass those accessing healthcare – views on abortion can of course be expressed but clinics themselves are clearly not the appropriate setting.
This move will tackle such conduct outside these locations and protect women.
I thank Gillian Mackay for all her hard work in progressing the Act and I am eternally grateful to all the women and staff who contributed to that process.
MINISTER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH & WOMEN’S HEALTH, JENNI MINTO
It is unacceptable for women to face any unwanted influence, distress or alarm when accessing abortion services. In bringing the Act into force, I hope women across Scotland hear the clear message that the Scottish Government will protect their access to healthcare.
People continue to have the right to free speech and protest in a democracy – however, no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions. This Act makes that clear.
Background
Police Scotland will be responsible for enforcing Safe Access Zones. Anyone who breaks Safe Access Zone laws could be fined up to £10,000 under summary procedure or to an unlimited amount under solemn procedure. Full details of the penalties that apply for committing an offence.
Full list of the locations of zones:
| University Hospital Crosshouse – Kilmarnock |
| Borders General Hospital – Melrose |
| Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary |
| Galashiels Health Centre |
| Oak Tree Family Health Centre – Stranraer |
| Queen Margaret Hospital – Dunfermline |
| Victoria Hospital – Kirkcaldy |
| Forth Valley Royal Hospital – Larbert |
| Aberdeen Royal Infirmary |
| Aberdeen Community Hospital |
| Aberdeen Maternity Hospital |
| Dr Gray’s Hospital – Elgin |
| Inverclyde Hospital – Greenock |
| Royal Alexandra Hospital – Paisley |
| Sandyford Sexual Health Clinic – Glasgow |
| Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Glasgow |
| Ross Hall – Glasgow |
| New Victoria Hospital – Glasgow |
| Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – Glasgow |
| Stobhill Hospital – Glasgow |
| Vale of Leven Hospital – West Dunbartonshire |
| Raigmore Hospital – Inverness |
| University Hospital Wishaw |
| Royal Infirmary Edinburgh |
| Chalmers Sexual Health Centre – Edinburgh |
| St John’s Hospital – Livingston |
| The Balfour – Livingston |
| Gilbert Bain Hospital – Lerwick |
| Ninewells Hospital – Dundee |
| Western Isles Hospital – Stornoway |
