By Bill Heaney
The First Minister told her: “I agree with every single word of Gillian Mackay’s question. I am very happy to reaffirm my support.
“Women should be able to access abortions without judgment. It is simply not acceptable for anyone to experience harassment, intimidation or unwanted influence as they access essential healthcare.
“I will not have been the only one moved by the video made by Dr Greg Irwin, one of the doctors at the Glasgow facility, in which he talked about our own mothers, sisters and nieces trying to access healthcare in the face of that intimidation.
“I am delighted to see that Gillian Mackay has published the consultation analysis and final bill proposal on safe access zones, which represents the next stage in bringing forward that essential legislation.
“I congratulate her on putting in the amount of work that she has to get to this point. She can be absolutely assured of the Scottish Government’s commitment to giving her our full support. I urge members across the chamber to back her proposals.”