FURTHER to your editorial (“A devolution that is far from a priority”, The Herald, October 10), Amnesty International, Engender, Scottish Women’s Aid and other women’s organisations and trade unions signed a joint statement to MPs on the devolution of abortion as it was being debated in the context of the Scotland Bill.
We are not concerned that devolution of abortion will necessarily lead to a regressive access policy in Scotland but wish to identify the risks if the process to devolve abortion law is inadequate.
Recognising the complexity of the discussion around abortion rights, the Smith Commission made a recommendation that the devolution of abortion be considered outside of the Scotland Bill process. Instead, we have already seen anti-choice MPs attempting to use the Scotland Bill for their own ideological ends and this is what we are seeking to avoid.
If or when abortion is devolved to Scotland, the process must be considered carefully; involve the participation of women, women’s organisations, and health experts; and address some of the current problems regarding access to abortion that we have in Scotland. A proper process outside of the Scotland Bill will give us a greater opportunity to shape a progressive law with women’s rights and equal access to healthcare at the centre of the legislation and we hope that all involved in the process will see these as priorities too.
Emma Ritch, Engender; Naomi McAuliffe, Amnesty International; Dr Marsha Scott, Scottish Women’s Aid; Emily Beever, NUS Scotland; Sandy Brindley, Rape Crisis Scotland; Jan MacLeod, Women’s Support Project; Anna Ritchie Allan, STUC; Jackie Scott, YMCA; Laura Tomson, Zero Tolerance; Jan MacLeod, Women’s Support Project; Anna Ritchie Allan, STUC; Jackie Scott, YMCA; Laura Tomson, Zero Tolerance,
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