Our bodies, our choice: The case for a Scottish approach to abortion
Engender, along with Scottish Women's Aid, Rape Crisis Scotland, Zero Tolerance, Close the Gap, Amnesty Scotland and NUS Scotland, believe that the Scottish Government should take action to decriminalise abortion, and improve access, support and services around reproductive rights.
The report 'our bodies, our choice: the case for a Scottish approach to abortion', sets out a number of issues around access to abortion in Scotland, and makes a number of recommendations to the Scottish Government. You can read just the recommendations here.
The devolution of powers over abortion law means the Scottish Government has an opportunity to improve women's lives in Scotland. Engender believes that a Scottish approach must be developed through meaningful and measured discussion, drawing on international best practice, and in consultation with women, practitioners and human rights and gender advocates.
If you are seeking information about accessing an abortion in Scotland, you may find this information from the NHS or from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service useful and you can find information about sexual health clinics near you here.
Below are some images and quotes relating to the report - please feel free to download and share.
Downloads
Access to Abortion: Situating Scotland in the Western World
This paper describes the different legal and regulatory contexts for abortion healthcare in Scotland and in other European and western nations.
Engender briefing on decriminalisation of abortion for the Scottish Parliament Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee
This is a briefing for MSPs ahead of the Scottish Parliament Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee consideration of a new petition to amend the law to fully decriminalise abortion in Scotland on 22nd February 2023.
Engender Parliamentary Briefing: Abortion Clinic Buffer Zones
This is a briefing for MSPs ahead of the Member's Business Debate on Abortion Clinic Buffer Zones.
Engender Parliamentary Briefing: It’s Time to End the Stigma of the Menopause
This briefing was written for a debate in the Scottish Parliament (S5M-17347: It’s Time to End the Stigma of the Menopause), exploring women's experiences of the menopause in Scotland.
Engender response to the Scottish Government consultation on a new National Public Health body: 'Public Health Scotland'
Engender welcomes this Scottish Government consultation on proposals for Scotland’s new national public health body, Public Health Scotland.
Engender response to the Scottish Government consultation on Abortion notifications and data
Engender unequivocally supports women’s autonomy over their bodies and lives and considers abortion access fundamental to women’s rights and reproductive justice.
Engender response to the Scottish Government consultation on future arrangements for early medical abortion at home
Engender unequivocally supports women’s autonomy over their bodies and lives, and considers abortion access fundamental to women’s rights and gender equality.
Engender response to the UK Government consultation on a new legal framework for abortion services in Northern Ireland
Engender unequivocally supports women in Northern Ireland’s autonomy over their bodies and lives, and considers abortion access fundamental to women’s rights and gender equality across the whole of the UK.
Our Bodies, Our Choice: The Case for a Scottish Approach to Abortion
The devolution of abortion law as part of the Scotland Act 2016 also provides Scotland with the opportunity to develop a Scottish approach to women’s reproductive rights, incorporating improved, modernised and standardised service provision underpinned by a progressive devolved legal framework.
Parliamentary briefing on abortion reform in Northern Ireland: Westminster must defend women's rights
Engender is calling on Scottish MPs to support the fulfilment of women’s rights in Northern Ireland by calling for the repeal of the current abortion law.
Submission to the Advisory Council: Development of the National Strategy on Economic Transformation August 2021
This joint submission from Engender and Close the Gap provides evidence to the Advisory Council ahead of the development of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
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