In a landmark enforcement of Scotland’s new “buffer zone” legislation, a 74-year-old grandmother was arrested outside Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for allegedly breaching the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act.

The woman, identified as Rose Docherty, was reportedly holding a sign that read, “Coercion is a crime, here to talk if you want,” offering conversation to women considering abortions.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, which came into effect in September 2024, establishes a 200-meter exclusion zone around abortion clinics throughout Scotland.

The law prohibits any protests, vigils, or activities that might deter individuals from accessing abortion services within these zones.

Violations can result in fines up to £10,000 or more severe penalties in certain cases.

Police Scotland confirmed that officers responded to reports of a group of protesters near the hospital on February 19, 2025.

Upon arrival, they arrested Docherty and confiscated her sign. She has been charged with breaching the exclusion zone and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Docherty defended her actions, stating, “I simply made myself available for a chat, should anybody like to approach me and speak about any matter on their mind.

I didn’t breach the rules of the buffer zone—I didn’t harass, intimidate, or even seek to influence anyone.” She further argued that such zones deprive women of the choice to engage in conversations outside clinics.

The arrest has ignited debate over the balance between free speech and protecting individuals seeking medical services.

Gillian Mackay, the Member of Scottish Parliament who introduced the legislation, expressed support for the enforcement, stating, “The protests that have taken place outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital have been utterly shameful, and I am grateful to Police Scotland for acting so quickly.”

She emphasized that such intimidation has no place in modern Scotland.

This incident follows recent controversy sparked by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who inaccurately claimed that Scotland’s buffer zone laws prevent residents from praying in their homes if they live within the exclusion zones.

Scottish officials, including First Minister John Swinney, refuted these claims, clarifying that private prayer at home is not prohibited.

As the first enforcement of its kind under the new law, Docherty’s arrest may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, highlighting the ongoing tension between safeguarding access to medical services and upholding freedom of expression.