Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson
The Green Party’s leader and MLA Clare Bailey has proposed the safe acccess zones in a Private Member’s Bill in the Assembly.
Speaking following the Assembly debate on the issue, the Foyle MLA said: “There has been a concerted campaign of intimidation and harassment against patients accessing their right to healthcare over recent months.
“No one should be faced with the type of disturbing imagery which has been displayed at these protests – patients and healthcare workers should be protected.
“Many countries already have safe access zones, including Australia and Canada.
“It’s important that we have laws in place to protect women and ensure these protests do not take place outside hospitals.
“I welcome legislation discussed in the Assembly which will support the introduction of safe access zones for people seeking health care.”
