A law to prevent anti-abortion protests outside hospitals should be made as soon as possible to prevent women from being harassed, the council’s health convenor has said.

Chris Cunningham has proposed a motion to be debated at the full council calling for buffer zones to be set up to remove protests from outside hospitals or clinic to ensure women are not intimidated when seeking legal treatment.

The Scottish Government is backing a bill by Green MSP Gillian Mackay to set up the zones after a number of high profile protests have taken place outside the Royal Infirmary, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Sandyford Clinic near Charing Cross.

Mr Cunningham’ s motion states: “Those who seek to have the law changed are entitled to their views and to campaign for such a change but that should not extend to harassing individual women attending hospital or clinics. 

“Women are entitled to seek advice and medical assistance in regard to their pregnancy. Their right to privacy without harassment must be respected and protected.”

He said buffer zones are the “best and most appropriate way to balance the rights of women with the rights of those who may wish to change the law”.

The motion adds: “We therefore call upon the Scottish Government to commence the process of introducing legislation to this effect as soon as possible.”

And states: “We commit to working to ensure that the legislation is consistent with the rights of all parties but which results in women being able to access health services within the law and free from harassment.”