Rose Docherty’s Legal Battle Highlights Tensions Over Scotland’s Safe Access Zones
Rose Docherty, a 75-year-old grandmother, has emerged victorious after Scottish prosecutors dropped charges against her for protesting near Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Docherty was the first person charged under Scotland’s new Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, which bans demonstrations within 200 metres of any abortion clinic.
Historic Charges Spark Controversy
Docherty’s peaceful protest involved holding a placard stating: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.” The legislation, effective from 2024, aims to create buffer zones around 30 clinics across Scotland. Despite this, Docherty was initially charged in February 2025 for allegedly breaching this zone. After six months, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) decided not to pursue the case.
In a surprising turn, Docherty was arrested again in September 2025 during a similar demonstration outside the superhospital. This time, the case proceeded to Glasgow Sheriff Court, where it was dismissed this week.
Legal Support and Personal Impact
Supported by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, Docherty described her arrest experience as humiliating and harsh. “I was handcuffed, placed in the back of a police van, and held in a police cell for over two hours without a chair,” she recounted.
Despite the court ruling in her favor, Docherty emphasized the ordeal felt like a punishment for exercising her fundamental right to free speech. “This should never happen in a free society,” she asserted, calling for the repeal of the controversial legislation.
She criticized the authorities for misusing resources on targeting her, a 75-year-old Catholic grandmother, instead of focusing on genuine crime challenges in Glasgow. “The resources used to silence me have been totally wasted,” Docherty stated.
Legal Rationale Behind Case Dismissal
Sheriff Stuart Reid dismissed the case after prosecutors failed to prove that Docherty’s conduct within the buffer zone influenced anyone seeking or providing abortion services—a crucial element required by the legislation.
ADF International highlighted that while this case is closed, the Crown Office retains the right to reopen proceedings if new evidence arises and it serves the public interest.
A COPFS spokesperson acknowledged the court’s decision, stating, “COPFS notes the decision of the court and will consider it carefully.”
