John Mason has been branded "offensive" after the SNP MSP claimed ladies coming into abortion clinics "successfully discovered themselves on a conveyor belt".
Nicola Sturgeon stated she "vehemently" disagreed with the outspoken Nationalist - who's a agency opponent of her authorities's plan to again laws which may restrict anti-abortion protests exterior well being services.
The SNP chief was joined by public well being minister Maree Todd at a summit in Edinburgh which introduced collectively police and council chiefs to listen to how ladies's entry to abortion may very well be protected.
READ MORE:Glasgow may introduce first abortion buffer zone in Scotland
Mason, the MSP for Shettleston, had earlier used an interview to say he had heard from sufferers who had suffered "very dangerous experiences" at clinics after they "successfully discovered themselves on a conveyor belt".
Todd later stated she discovered the feedback to be “fairly offensive”.
She added that whereas she “profoundly” disagrees with Mason’s views, he has a proper to specific them – however stated she felt he's “very a lot in a minority in our get together, and possibly in a minority in Scotland”.
The First Minister additionally spoke of Mason’s proper to his personal views, however stated: “I vehemently disagree with John Mason on this problem. I'm very strongly professional a lady’s proper to decide on.
“I perceive that folks take a unique view. However truly, this isn't nearly that. That is about entry to healthcare.
“We wouldn’t tolerate for some other form of healthcare, folks, as they enter a hospital or a clinic, being topic to intimidation or harassment, and we shouldn’t tolerate it, in my opinion, for ladies accessing abortion providers.”
Shirley-Anne Somerville, the training secretary, additionally criticised her get together colleague.
She tweeted: "I respect folks have totally different views on abortion nonetheless John Mason’s newest response exhibits he understands little or no about what goes on both inside or exterior clinics."
Chatting with Radio Clyde, Mason stated: "Some ladies have gone by way of abortions and had very dangerous experiences.
"I've heard folks communicate, and had one or two emails, since this was being mentioned, over the dangerous experiences some folks have had.
"I am not saying it is each case - however in some circumstances ladies have gone to those clinics and successfully discovered themselves on a conveyor belt.
"There's been little or no details about the professionals and the cons of getting an abortion."
He added: "I believe one of many arguments for these vigils, or protests, is that ladies ought to have the chance to listen to there's two sides".
Mason was beforehand condemned for saying that he doesn't see “any nice want” for buffer zones round abortion clinics in Scotland.
In an e mail response to an inquiry, Mason stated he was “fairly constructive” concerning the US court docket ruling which overturned the 50-year-old Roe vs Wade case that assured abortion rights throughout America.
He linked the return to particular person US states ruling on abortion as a substitute of federal regulation to the devolution of powers over the abortion course of to the Scottish parliament.
He stated: “Within the first place it's good for democracy as selections on abortion can be made at state stage moderately than United States huge."
"This brings the US into line with the UK with selections on abortion are made at a Scotland or England stage or not a UK stage.”
Mason added: “Nonetheless, I absolutely settle for that the important thing points right here is abortion itself. I be aware factors persons are making about ladies’s rights. Nonetheless others would argue that from the purpose of conception, there are two folks with the rights each the girl and the newborn. So I very a lot see my function as talking out for the weaker get together, particularly the newborn.”
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