Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says his government is considering legislation that would establish so-called “bubble zones” to prohibit protests against abortion services at health-care facilities.
The legislation would ban protests or other forms of interference to reproductive health services at a pharmacy, clinic, doctor’s office, hospital or physician’s home.
READ MORE: N.S. woman leading charge for hospital ‘bubble zones’ to protect those seeking abortion services
McNeil says while he supports the NDP-proposed bill in principle, he’d like to see it extended to include all people who access various forms of care at health facilities.
He says patients shouldn’t have to go through a protest line regardless of why they are accessing health services.
READ MORE: Fate of N.B. clinic speaks to unfinished fight for abortion access in Atlantic Canada
NDP Leader Gary Burrill says while the bill is “super focused” on a specific need, his party is open to negotiating with the government to accomplish the overall goal.
Bubble zones exist in other jurisdiction including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.
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