The first individual has been arrested under the new Scottish legislation designed to create buffer zones around medical facilities offering abortion services.
The arrest occurred outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, marking a significant enforcement of the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024, which became law last September.
Under this Act, it is illegal for anti-abortion demonstrators to congregate within 200 metres of hospitals or clinics across Scotland.
Despite these regulations, a group of protesters, familiar to the hospital staff for their previous demonstrations, were reported by The Herald to have assembled once again to protest against abortion services being provided at the hospital.
The group consisted of a woman and two men, all bearing placards. Police action was prompted when they detained a 74-year-old woman on Hardgate Road, directly opposite the hospital, on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
This incident coincides with plans by the American-based group, 40 Days for Life, to hold ‘vigils’ outside the same Glasgow hospital from March 5 to April 13, during the Lent period.
This group is known for its significant demonstrations outside Scottish hospitals during this religious season.
The recent protest also follows remarks by American Vice President JD Vance, who cited the Scottish legislation as an example of a decline in free speech, during his address at an international conference.
A spokesperson from Police Scotland confirmed the details of the incident and arrest, noting that the woman was apprehended for violating the exclusion zone.
Violations of this law could lead to severe penalties, including unlimited fines.
Police Scotland is charged with the enforcement of this protective legislation, aiming to safeguard access to abortion services without the interference of protest activities.