TWO Borders health centres are included in the new safe access zone legislation which comes into force today.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Scotland Act applies to health hubs that provide abortion services in Scotland.

A 200-metre protective zone is now in place around Borders General Hospital and Galashiels Health Centre.

The new legislation was passed in the Scottish Parliament in June and is designed to protect women from harassment and distress when accessing abortion services.

Jenni Minto, minister for public and women’s health, said: “The introduction of Safe Access Zones is a crucial milestone in protecting women’s abortion rights – no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions and the law now makes that abundantly clear.

“I thank Gillian Mackay and all those involved for their work to progress this legislation. I would like especially to recognise the women who showed incredible courage in speaking up and sharing their experiences during the Bill process.

“The new zones of 200 metres around all abortion services will help ensure women have safe access to healthcare – free from intimidation. This law is about protection for women at a time when many will feel incredibly vulnerable around taking a deeply personal and difficult decision.”

Within the zones, it is now a criminal offence to ‘intentionally or recklessly’ act in a way that ‘could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress’.

The punishment for breaking the new law could result in either a fine of £10,000 or an unlimited fine, depending on the court procedure.

Examples of behaviour the new law could find to be criminal include; approaching someone to persuade them not to access abortion services, surrounding a person entering or exiting the health centre, handing out leaflets, silent vigils and religious preaching.

This list is not exhaustive and enforcement agencies will reach their own decisions on whether an offence has been committed, according to the government.