Paramedic Sentenced to 10 Years for 'Secret Abortion Scheme'
In a case that has shocked Scotland and raised serious questions about trust and bodily autonomy, Stephen Doohan, a 33-year-old paramedic, has been sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison for secretly administering an abortion drug to a woman during consensual sex. The incident, which took place on March 17, 2023, has left the victim dealing with severe physical and psychological trauma, while the betrayal by someone sworn to care for others has sparked widespread outrage.
A Shocking Breach of Trust
Stephen Doohan, a clinical team leader with the Scottish Ambulance Service, met the woman during a holiday in Spain in 2021. Although he was married at the time, the two began a long-distance relationship. The woman later discovered she was pregnant, and in March 2023, she traveled to Edinburgh to see Doohan. What followed was a disturbing violation of her bodily autonomy.
According to The Guardian, during consensual sex on March 17, Doohan secretly inserted an abortion drug into the woman's vagina without her knowledge or consent. The next day, she reportedly noticed unusual discharge and experienced stomach cramps — she then returned to Doohan's flat. According to PEOPLE, later that evening, after taking diazepam, the victim woke to Doohan engaging in "sexual contact" and again felt "something hard enter her vagina," per the sentencing statement.
Manipulation and Cover-Up
The court heard that Doohan had researched abortion drugs on his work intranet the very day the woman told him she was pregnant. This premeditation added a chilling layer to the case, showing that his actions were calculated rather than impulsive. After administering the drug, he tried to cover up his crime by convincing the victim to provide false information to healthcare professionals at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
The victim's suspicions grew when she found a plastic syringe containing crushed tablets hidden under the mattress in Doohan's flat. Upon confronting him, she discovered he had been researching abortion drugs online. Despite the trauma she suffered, the woman reported the incident to the Scottish Ambulance Service in May 2023, prompting an internal investigation and Doohan's arrest.
The Court's Verdict
On July 7, 2025, the High Court in Glasgow sentenced Doohan to 10 years and 6 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to assault to injury, sexual assault, and procuring an abortion without consent. The presiding judge, Lord Colbeck, stressed the seriousness of Doohan's actions saying, "You put her through considerable pain over a number of days, and left her facing a lifetime of pain and loss," as reported by The Guardian.
Lord Colbeck highlighted the case as a fundamental breach of trust. Doohan's role as a paramedic — someone entrusted with the care and well-being of others — made his actions even more egregious. The court also issued a non-harassment order preventing Doohan from contacting the victim indefinitely, and his name was added to the sex offenders' register.
The Victim's Trauma and Betrayal
This case starkly illustrates how deeply personal and devastating violations of bodily autonomy can be. The victim, who had plans for her pregnancy, was robbed of her future by someone she trusted. The physical pain she endured was compounded by the emotional trauma of betrayal and manipulation.
Her decision to come forward and seek justice is especially courageous given the challenges many face when reporting sexual offenses. Her experience highlights the critical need for strong support systems for survivors and accountability for those who abuse their positions of power.
Lessons and Reflections
You might wonder how someone dedicated to saving lives could commit such a calculated and harmful act. This case forces us to reflect on trust, consent, and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and swift institutional action when allegations arise.
For you as a reader, this is a reminder that consent is absolute, and violations of bodily autonomy are serious crimes with lasting consequences. The justice served here sends a clear message that such breaches will not be tolerated.
Moving Forward
As Doohan begins his prison sentence, the focus must remain on supporting the victim and preventing similar abuses in the future. The Scottish Ambulance Service has taken steps to protect the public and cooperate with law enforcement, but ongoing vigilance is essential.
This case also invites broader conversations about protecting individuals from covert violations and empowering survivors to come forward. While the harm done cannot be undone, justice offers some closure and a warning to those who might consider similar actions.
References: Paramedic Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison After Giving Woman Abortion Drug | Paramedic jailed for 10 years for secretly giving woman abortion drug during sex | Scotland | Scottish paramedic who secretly gave woman abortion drug jailed for 10 years and 6 months
