First arrest made under Scotland’s abortion buffer zone law outside Glasgow hospital

A 74-year-old woman in Glasgow has been arrested and charged in connection with a breach of Scotland’s abortion buffer zone law – the first arrest under the new legislation.

Police were called to Hardgate Road, across from the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), just after 2pm on Wednesday following reports of an anti-abortion protest.

Officers say she will now be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

The Safe Access Zones Act, which came into force in September, was introduced to protect patients and staff from harassment and intimidation near clinics that provide abortion services.

QEUH has been a frequent target for protests in recent years, with campaigners arguing the new law is crucial to safeguarding access to healthcare.

The arrest comes just days after US vice president JD Vance criticised Scotland’s buffer zones, claiming they restrict free speech and even private prayer.

First Minister John Swinney dismissed his comments as "just wrong," while Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who led the bill, accused him of “shameless misinformation and dangerous scaremongering.”

Police Scotland has warned that anyone found breaking the law could face an unlimited fine in the most serious cases.