A 74-year-old woman was arrested in Glasgow for violating Scotland’s abortion buffer zone law.
Scotland’s law bans such protests near hospitals. It’s called the Abortion Services Act 2024. The law took effect in September. It makes gathering within 200m illegal.
Police went to the scene. They arrested a 74-year-old woman. Her arrest relates to breaching the zone. Police Scotland confirmed this action. They said officers remain at the location, and inquiries are still in progress.
Anti-abortion groups often protest outside hospitals. 40 Days for Life is one such group. Their largest protests happen during Lent, which starts in early March.
JD Vance mentioned Scotland’s law recently at an international conference. He claimed free speech is “in retreat” and used the law as an example.
Gillian Mackay is a Scottish Green MSP who guided the law’s change. Mackay has condemned these protests as they occurred in Safe Access Zones.
Mackay stated the protests were shameful. She is thankful to Police Scotland for acting quickly. Everyone deserves harassment-free healthcare, and her Act aims to ensure that. These protests are now against the law.
Mackay knows the protests’ awful impact and has heard heartbreaking stories from women who had to endure them.
Mackay urges protesters to reconsider because Safe Access Zone protesters will be stopped and face consequences. Vance gave misinformation about Scotland. It is vital to defend reproductive rights now, and we must fight those working to undermine them.