Abortion in Scotland

Abstract

Scotland is an uncommon example of a country where abortion is legally permitted, but where women face substantial barriers to access when seeking a late term abortion, i.e. from 16 weeks gestation. IN contrast to the rest of Britain, abortion at gestations over 20 weeks is not provided in Scotland, and provision of procedures above 16 weeks varies considerably between regions. The situation exists despite abortion being legal in all of Great Britain up until 24 weeks, as made law in 1967 Abortion Act. This dissertation interviews Scottish politicians in order to gauge: a) the factors that have contributed to limited access to abortion in the country; b) the political will amongst parties to implement provision of abortion up to the legal limit; and c) the likely effects of devolving abortion policy in Scotland.