Rose Docherty, a 74-year-old woman, made headlines when she was arrested for participating in an anti-abortion protest outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. She has expressed her willingness to face jail time for breaching the abortion buffer zone law, becoming the first person to be charged under the new legislation. Despite being offered a formal warning by the Crown Office, Docherty declined, calling the warning “unjust,” and is now awaiting the consequences of her actions.
The protests outside the hospital have been a source of distress and intimidation for both patients and staff, according to doctors at the facility. These gatherings have been ongoing for nearly a decade, causing concern among healthcare professionals. The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, which prohibits any protests within 200m of 30 clinics across Scotland, aims to protect individuals seeking abortion services from interference or harassment.
In a recent interview, Docherty defended her actions, stating that she does not regret her involvement in the protest. She maintained that she was peacefully standing with a sign stating that coercion is a crime and only engaging with individuals who approached her willingly. Despite facing potential legal repercussions, she stands by her belief that the law itself is unjust, emphasizing her commitment to her cause.
The legislation creating buffer zones outside abortion clinics was introduced by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who highlighted the need to shield women seeking these services from undue obstruction and harassment. The law criminalizes behavior that may influence individuals’ decisions to access abortion services within the protected zones, aiming to ensure a safe and respectful environment for patients and staff. As discussions continue about potentially extending buffer zones to address ongoing protests’ impact, Docherty remains steadfast in her resolve to advocate for her beliefs, regardless of the consequences
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
