New legislation to introduce buffer zones outside abortion clinics has been backed by MSPs.

The law will prevent anti-abortion protesters from gathering within 200 metres of hospitals and medical facilities where terminations are carried out.

The legislation will now move forward to receive royal assent.

The final stage of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill was debated on Wednesday afternoon, with 11 amendments considered.

The bill was agreed by 118 votes to one.

Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who lodged the bill, earlier called for colleagues across the chamber to back the proposals.

Ms Mackay said: “This is for women and medical professionals who have endured protests amid disgraceful scenes in the past while accessing health care, and for all those who may need to go do so in the future.

“It also carves into history the work and support of others including Back Off Scotland, health organisations and unions including the STUC Women’s Committee, British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), and so many more, and trailblazing Irish Green Clare Bailey.

“Without their determination, support and courage that day may never have come.”

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Ms Mackay thanked the work of Scottish government officials and all the MSPs who voted for the bill to pass.

She added: “Today’s vote means never again should a woman have to be stripped of her dignity, privacy or emotion in opting to have an abortion.

“It enshrines her right to do so, and to do so without fear or intimidation.

“A woman’s right to decide what happens to her body is no one else’s business but her own and that is the message being sent loud and clear across Scotland tonight.”

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