Lady, 74 and arrested for alleged breach of exclusion zone around Glasgow abortion clinic

Police in Scotland have arrested a 74-year-old woman for allegedly violating an exclusion zone around an abortion clinic. This marks the first arrest under new legislation designed to protect patients and staff from anti-abortion protests. The arrest comes just days after U.S. Vice President JD Vance made false claims about Scotland’s abortion laws, which local politicians say have emboldened protesters.

First Arrest Under Scotland’s Safe Access Zones Law

The woman was detained near Hardgate Road in Glasgow, where she was part of a protest against abortion services. The police confirmed that she has been charged and will be reported to prosecutors. The protest was linked to 40 Days for Life, a Texas-based anti-abortion group that has announced plans for further demonstrations in Glasgow next month.

The arrest follows the implementation of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) 2024 Act, which prohibits protests within a 200-metre (650ft) radius of hospitals and clinics providing abortion services. This law aims to ensure that individuals accessing reproductive healthcare can do so without harassment or intimidation.

JD Vance’s Controversial Claims and Political Response

U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently made headlines for spreading misinformation about Scotland’s abortion laws. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Vance claimed that Scottish residents living within exclusion zones were banned from praying inside their own homes—a statement that was widely refuted by Scottish leaders.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney dismissed Vance’s claims as completely false, clarifying that no such restrictions exist. Gillian Mackay, a Scottish Green MSP who played a key role in passing the legislation, said that the recent protests were fueled by Vance’s misleading statements. She urged authorities to take firm action against those violating the exclusion zones.

Planned Anti-Abortion Protests in Glasgow

Despite the new law, 40 Days for Life activists have announced a fresh wave of protests outside Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where an abortion clinic operates. These demonstrations are set to take place daily from March 5 to April 13.

Mackay has strongly condemned these planned protests, highlighting the emotional distress they cause to women seeking medical care. She warned that anyone who violates the exclusion zone will be stopped and face legal consequences.

Scotland’s Commitment to Reproductive Rights

First Minister Swinney reaffirmed Scotland’s stance on reproductive rights, stating that abortion care is an essential part of healthcare services in the country. He emphasized that the buffer zone law was implemented to protect patients from unwanted pressure and harassment.

With the first arrest now made, authorities are likely to strictly enforce the exclusion zone regulations, ensuring that women can access abortion services without fear of confrontation. The upcoming protests will be closely monitored, and further legal action may follow if violations continue.

SOURCE