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Anna Thompson, reporting for ABC Scotland, brings to light the recent development in the case of Rose Docherty, a 75-year-old woman who was arrested during an anti-abortion protest outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. Docherty, the first individual to face charges under the new law establishing buffer zones around Scottish abortion clinics, will not be further prosecuted for her actions. Despite receiving a formal warning from the Crown Office, Docherty remained steadfast in her conviction, deeming the warning as “unjust.”
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, enforced last year, seeks to protect patients from harassment and intimidation outside abortion clinics. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) thoroughly reviewed Docherty’s case and ultimately decided against pursuing further legal action. Reacting to this news, Docherty expressed her delight, referring to it as a triumph of common sense. The legislation allows for fines of up to £10,000, or an unlimited amount in more severe instances, for violators of the buffer zone law.
Doctors at the QEUH have long raised concerns about the disruptive nature of the protests held outside the hospital. These demonstrations, spanning nearly a decade, have been labeled as upsetting and intimidating by healthcare professionals at the facility. Docherty, standing firm in her beliefs, waved a sign at the February protest with the message “coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.” Although a formal warning was issued to her following the arrest, Docherty refused to accept it, citing her actions as a demonstration of what she believed was right.
In a statement to BBC Scotland News, Docherty criticized the necessity of the buffer zone legislation, arguing that existing police powers are adequate for handling situations involving harassment and intimidation. In her view, the law is designed to stifle free expression and influence. Despite the outcome of her case, Docherty remains resolute, emphasizing her willingness to engage in dialogue by offering a listening ear to those passing by. As discussions surrounding the buffer zones persist, with contrasting opinions emerging, the legality and impact of such measures continue to be contested
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