Anti-abortion protestors deliberately hit a pro-choice campaigner with a car outside a sexual health clinic in Edinburgh, it's been alleged.
Three pro-choice campaigners had been outside to counter-protest against an pro-life group, when a 61-year-old woman was allegedly deliberately hit by a car - and was too frightened to report it to cops.
The alleged assault happened on October 8 outside the Chalmers Centre, which is part of Chalmers Hospital.
Anti-abortion protests have been held by 40 Days for Life campaigners outside of Chalmers centre where abortions are accessed.
SNP MSP John Mason sparked controversy when he joined pro-life campaigners outside an abortion clinic and deemed the services not to be "essential" or "vital".
READ MORE: SNP MSP claims abortion services seldom 'vital' and admits attending pro-life protest
A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “This person who parked up across the street asked us why we were there and called us “scumbags” and said that we supported “murder”.
"They were verbally abusive so we took a photo of the car’s registration.
"They asked “do you want to see tomorrow” and drove down the street towards the Meadows to turn.
"My friend started to cross the road to get a look at the car.
"They drove at her while the car was mid-lane and the bumper of the car hit her lower limbs and knee.
"She staggered back and leaned over the engine. Finally the driver stopped and drove off.
"In light of this attack, we no longer feel safe enough to attend the counter protests alone due to the fear of intimidation.
"My friend was too scared to report this to the police.”
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon urged to introduce abortion clinic ‘buffer zones’
Police Scotland confirmed they did not have a report of the incident.
Campaign group Back Off Scotland believe that new legislation should be introduced by the Scottish Government to protect women from harassment from campaigners.
The want 150-metre “buffer zones” where protests are not allowed, and said the incident proved the need for improved protection for women accessing services.
Lucy Grieve, Back Off Scotland director, said: “This incident is one of many that highlight the pressing need for buffer zones.
"It’s frustrating that this has happened given that Edinburgh council passed a motion in support of enacting buffer zones.
"It’s up to the Scottish Government to recognise this national issue and enact buffer zones outside abortion clinics.”
The council has also encouraged anyone experiencing intimidation or threats to contact the police.
Adam McVey, council leader, said: “Nobody should have to experience intimidation when accessing medical care and we are working with colleagues across Local Government through COSLA on a consistent approach nationally with the Scottish Government.
"We will continue to work closely with partners until a clear route forward to protect women accessing health services is secured.
"We would encourage anyone who attends these facilities and who experiences intimidation or threatening behaviour from the protesters to report these to Police Scotland.”
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