Precious Life welcome decision to drop charges against 75-year-old pro-life woman
Precious Life are greatly encouraged by the news that no further action will be taken against 75-year-old Rose Docherty, who was the first person charged under Scotland’s new "abortion buffer zones" law after peacefully and silently holding a pro-life sign outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital earlier this year.
Rose has shown remarkable courage and determination throughout this ordeal. Despite being arrested and warned by the Crown Office, she refused to accept a formal warning because she believed it was unjust. She stood firm in her principles, saying she had simply been present “to have a conversation if anyone wanted to speak” and that there was nothing threatening about “an elderly woman standing by the roadside offering to lend a listening ear.”
We wholeheartedly agree with Rose’s words. She was delighted with the outcome, calling it “a victory for common sense.” Her bravery in the face of legal pressure has been truly inspiring, especially when she made clear that she would even have been prepared to go to prison rather than deny her convictions.
Rose also reminded us that there was no need for this legislation in the first place, since laws already exist to deal with intimidation or harassment. By withdrawing the warning against her, the Crown Office has effectively recognised that her peaceful presence was not breaking the law.
We deeply admire Rose’s determination and her willingness to stand firm, even at 75 years old. Her example shows us that standing up for what we believe in takes courage, but it can also inspire change.
We hope this outcome encourages pro-life people to remain steadfast and active in the battle to protect the unborn. Rose’s story is a reminder that ordinary people — no matter their age — can make an extraordinary difference when they stand by their principles.
NORTHERN IRELAND
We also hope the outcome of Rose's case will set a legal precedent and overturn the conviction of a Northern Ireland woman who was criminalised for praying outside an abortion centre.
Mother of four children, Claire Brennan, was dragged before a court and placed on trial on 3rd December 2024, where she bravely pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. However, a hefty £750 fine was imposed on her by Coleraine Magistrates’ Court.
Claire became the first person to be arrested under Northern Ireland's “abortion buffer zone” laws back in October 2023. These draconian laws were passed by the SDLP, Sinn Fein, UUP, Green Party, and PBP, to criminalise women and men who pray within 250 metres of an abortion centre, and punish them with extortionate fines.
Claire was arrested while praying on her knees outside the baby-killing centre at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. This hospital is part of the Northern Health Trust. Since abortion was legalised in March 2020, the official number of babies killed there is 1,947. More than 8,490 babies have been killed across Northern Ireland.
Precious Life will continue to expose the true horror of abortion, taking the truth onto the streets, and outside the abortion centres across Northern Ireland. We stand in solidarity with Rose, Claire, and all individuals who are fighting to defend the unborn. Prayer should never be criminalised. The freedom to think, pray, and peacefully express one's beliefs in public spaces in under attack. The draconian 'buffer zones laws' in Northern Ireland must be scrapped NOW !!!