Monica Lennon demands health minister 'breaks silence' on anti-abortion protests

21.04.2022 - 19:43 / dailyrecord.co.uk

Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon has slammed Health Minister Maree Todd for failing to introduce buffer zones around abortion clinics after protestors ramped up efforts to intimidate women.

It comes weeks after protests around the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, with over 100 protesters joining the latest campaign.

Last week 76 Scottish doctors signed an open letter to the Health Minister calling for her intervention.

Monica Lennon, Scottish Labour and Co-operative representative, has now written to Ms Todd urging her to 'end her silence' and introduce protest-free buffer zones around healthcare facilities.

Part of her letter read: "Under your watch, Scotland is now seen as an easy target by those who wish to end abortion.

"The escalation of co-ordinated protests near clinics provides clear evidence that access to abortion healthcare is under attack in Scotland.

"Please confirm that the Scottish Government will keep its promises and outline when national legislation will be introduced?"

Campaign group Back Off Scotland, also mentioned in Monica's letter, have been calling for the implementation of 150 metre buffer zones since October 2020.

The group recently called for Ms Todd to resign over her 'failure' to act on the issue.

Monica said: “The failure of Scottish ministers to take swift and decisive action has led to an increase in co-ordinated protests aimed at women and people accessing abortion healthcare, and the protesters are only becoming more emboldened.

“Enough is enough. It is time to break your silence and make a clear commitment to introduce legislation for buffer zones at abortion healthcare facilities.

“After all, this was a promise made in the SNP’s manifesto and the Scottish Government’s