Grandmother’s Arrest at Abortion Clinic Sparks Free Speech Fight Over Expanding Buffer Zones

In a striking case out of Glasgow, Scotland, 74-year-old grandmother Rose Docherty was arrested for holding a sign outside Queen Elizabeth University Hospital that read, "Coercion is a crime, here to talk if you want." This marked the first arrest under Scotland’s new Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Act, which bans protests or vigils within 200 meters of abortion clinics. Docherty’s case has ignited a fierce debate over free speech, as lawmakers now consider expanding these so-called buffer zones, potentially further restricting public expression.

Docherty, undeterred, told the BBC she has "no regrets" about her actions, describing the arrest as "surreal" yet standing firm in her belief that her sign offered a simple invitation to dialogue, not a violation of the law. She’s prepared to face prison, arguing the government is trying to silence dissent on abortion. "It doesn’t matter how far they push the buffer zone—200 meters, 500 meters—they’ll still come after us because they don’t like our views," she said in an interview with ADF International.

The legislation, championed by Green Party parliamentarian Gillian Mackay, is now under scrutiny for possible expansion, as patients and staff report distress from encountering protesters. A Scottish government spokesperson confirmed ministers could extend the zones if current measures fall short. Meanwhile, critics like Docherty see this as a broader assault on free expression, pointing to cases like that of Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, a pro-life activist compensated after arrests for silent prayer near a clinic.

This isn’t just about one grandmother’s sign—it’s a flashpoint in a larger struggle over where free speech ends and public comfort begins. As buffer zones grow, so does the question: how far can governments go to quiet voices they don’t want heard?