Minutes: 12 March 2024

1. Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from those who are against the introduction of safe access zones (panel 1) and on the human rights considerations (panel 2), from—

Margaret Akers, Services Coordinator, Society for the Protection of Unborn Children in Scotland;

Alina Dulgheriu;

Bishop John Keenan, Vice-President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland and Bishop of Paisley;

Isabel Vaughan-Spruce;

Dr Mark Pickering, Chief Executive, Christian Medical Fellowship;

and then from—

Reverend Stephen Allison, Public Engagement Coordinator, The Free Church of Scotland;

Eilidh Dickson, Policy and International Officer, Scottish Human Rights Commission;

Rob Gowans, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE);

Dr Catriona McMillan, former Convener of the Health and Medical Law Sub-Committee, Law Society of Scotland.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP and a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

As the Member in charge of the Bill, Gillian Mackay did not participate in the Committee’s scrutiny of the Bill by virtue of Rule 9.13A.2(b). Ross Greer attended in her place, as a Committee substitute by virtue of Rule 12.2A.2.

2. Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 1.