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BBCA girl who was once arrested for collaborating in an anti-abortion protest outdoor of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow has stated she is ready to visit jail over the offence.
Rose Docherty, 74, changed into the primary particular person to be arrested and charged beneath a brand new legislation which creates buffer zones outdoor Scottish abortion clinics in February.
She has rejected a proper caution from the Crown Office – arguing that it was once “unjust” – and is ready to determine what motion would possibly now be taken towards her.
Doctors on the clinic have prior to now advised BBC Scotland that the protests, that have been held outdoor the clinic for almost 10 years, had been frightening and intimidating for sufferers and personnel.
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act prevents any protests or vigils from going down inside of 200m (650feet) of 30 clinics across the nation.
Anyone who breaks the buffer zones legislation might be fined as much as £10,000 or a vast quantity in additional severe instances.
Ms Docherty was once arrested just about the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow on 19 February.
She were keeping an indication that stated: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want”.
In her first broadcast interview for the reason that arrest, she stated she had “no reason to regret” the incident.
She advised BBC’s Scotcast that the arrest was once an “alarming” and “surreal” enjoy.
Ms Docherty added: “I don’t feel I was breaking the law because I feel this law is an unjust law.
“I used to be simply status with an indication that was once mentioning a proven fact that coercion is a criminal offense.
“I was there to speak with people only if they wanted to speak with me. I wasn’t approaching anyone, I wasn’t behaving in a manner that was intimidating or harassing anyone.”
PA MediaDr Greg Irwin, a physician on the QEUH, was once pictured confronting a bunch of protestors in February 2023, announcing that they “cause emotional upset to patients, but also to staff members”.
He added: “One in three women will make use of abortion healthcare, so judgemental protests at the hospital gates have a real and unpleasant effect particularly on these staff members.
“But in addition they have an effect on different personnel, like myself, who to find it infuriating to grasp that there are protesters outdoor the clinic intimidating sufferers on their manner in.
“It’s such an unbelievable cruel and unkind thing to do, and it bothers me throughout the protest period.”
Extending buffer zones
The anti-abortion protests are incessantly related to the 40 Days for Life staff – even supposing Ms Docherty denied that she was once a member of the US-based organisation.
Following her arrest, the Crown Office despatched her a letter which contained a proper caution.
It stated the procurator fiscal had made up our minds towards bringing Ms Docherty prior to a courtroom and if she authorized the caution, she would no longer be prosecuted.
“I said I wasn’t accepting a warning because it’s unjust,” she stated.
“I would be prepared to go to prison. I have no idea what might happen.
“I’m ready to peer what will increase from having writing again to the procurator fiscal so it is as much as them to peer what their subsequent step is.”
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act got here into drive ultimate September.
It was drawn up by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who said women seeking the procedure were subjected to “utterly unacceptable abuse and obstruction” outside hospitals.
It is a criminal offence to behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services within the buffer zones.
Stopping women and staff from entering the clinics or otherwise causing alarm, harassment or distress is also an offence.
Gillian Mackay said patients and staff had told her that they still have to pass the protestors when attending the QEUH and “shared equivalent misery to what we heard all through the passage of the invoice”.
PA MediaShe added: “I believe it is suitable that we take the ones issues critically and the federal government check out whether or not an extension is suitable or no longer.”
Ms Docherty denied that she had deliberately sought to be arrested was for publicity, despite it taking place just days after US Vice-President JD Vance highlighted the law as an example of free speech is Europe being “in retreat”.
When asked about patients or staff feeling intimidated by the protestors, Ms Docherty said: “If they are saying they really feel that manner then they will have to really feel that manner, I’m no longer accountable for their emotions.
“But I know that my intention is not to do that, I’m standing peacefully and quietly.”
She added: “We know that women have changed their minds because something has given them pause for thought.
“If anyone is being influenced, it sort of feels to indicate to the truth that their thoughts is not made up.”
She said that moving to another location further from the hospital would make the group less visible, meaning their “be offering of assist” was less visible.
“People say we must pass to the Scottish parliament, however that is not the place the assist is wanted,” she added.
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “The procurator fiscal has gained a file regarding a 74-year-old in terms of an alleged incident on 19/02/2025.
“The report remains under the consideration of the procurator fiscal.”
