Publication of independent expert group report
An independent report by an expert group set up to review the current law on abortion in Scotland has been published today.
The Abortion Law Expert Group was commissioned following a Programme for Government commitment for 2023 -24 to independently review the existing law and ensure that abortion services are safe and treated first and foremost as a healthcare matter for women.
The group was chaired by Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion Professor Anna Glasier and brought together lawyers, clinicians, academics, and representatives of women’s organisations to ensure that the voices of people with lived experience were heard. Their work considered current clinical practice, international examples, academic research, and a wide range of stakeholder views from across Scotland.
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “I thank Professor Glasier and all the members of the Expert Group for their work and for their robust consideration of current clinical practice and research.
“I also welcome the time they have taken to consider a broad range of views from stakeholders across Scotland.
“It is right that we continue to ensure that abortion is treated as a healthcare matter and that women are supported to access safe and timely abortion services.
“The recommendations within the report represent the views of the Expert Group – it is only one part of this review process, and the Scottish Government will now begin its own period of evidence gathering and engagement with a range of stakeholders. We will take time to carefully consider all the findings and respond in due course.”
Chair and Expert Group Professor Anna Glasier said: “I am extremely pleased to see that the Expert Group’s report on the law on abortion has been published today. The Group worked incredibly hard, and benefitted greatly from the input and expertise of a wide range of stakeholders, to develop evidence-based, balanced recommendations.
“The report demonstrates the Group’s view that it is time for an abortion law that reflects the reality of current clinical practice where abortions are safely provided in the best interests of women.
“It is now for the Scottish Government to consider these recommendations and carry out the further engagement required to come to a decision on legislative proposals. I look forward to hearing the Government’s views in due course.”
Today, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) welcomes the publication of an independent report by the expert group established to review Scotland’s abortion law.
The Abortion Law Expert Group was commissioned as part of the Scottish Government’s 2023–24 Programme for Government to undertake an independent review of the current law and to consider how abortion can be regulated as a safe, modern healthcare service for women.
In response to the report, Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “We welcome this report – the proposed changes in Scotland represent an important step towards ensuring that women can access abortion care safely, confidentially and without fear of investigation or prosecution.
“These recommendations also reflect a positive trend across all four nations of the UK towards treating abortion as essential healthcare rather than a criminal issue.
“In England and Wales, MPs have already sent a clear message by voting to remove women from the criminal law – reflecting public opinion that reproductive rights matter. We now urge Peers in the House of Lords to follow suit and back this vital amendment to see abortion decriminalised.
“Abortion is healthcare that around one in three women will need in their lifetime, and it should be regulated and delivered to the same professional standards as any other medical procedure, not through the criminal law.”
- Read the full report via the Scottish Government’s website here.
Review of Abortion Law in Scotland Expert Group Report – gov.scot