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Breaking: Landmark report sets clear path to decriminalisation and modernised healthcare

Posted on November 14 2025 at 09:21

Today, the Scottish Government have released an Expert Group report that provides a clear roadmap for removing abortion from the criminal justice system and replacing the outdated Abortion Act 1967 with a modernised, health-based framework. 

Tags: Abortion law Decriminalisation reproductive rights
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We spoke exclusively with @theheraldscotland about decriminalising abortion. The current system is outdated and endangers women. We need urgent action to bring Scotland in line with international health and human rights standards. Scotland is now the only part of the UK that has not decriminalised abortion. Scotland has had the power to reform its own abortion laws for a decade, and the Scottish Government’s own independently commissioned expert group has recommended that they should do so. Ending criminalisation, and repealing the old 1967 Abortion act and replacing it with modernised legislation, would be a step towards giving women in Scotland the best possible reproductive rights. Read the full piece here: heraldscotland.com/news/26525203.scotland-part-uk-not-decriminalise-abortion Head to the link in our bio to find out how you can get involved in the campaign & join us in saying 'Time's up for outdated abortion law.' #DecriminaliseAbortionScotland #AbortionIsHealthcare #AbortionRights #MyBodyMyChoice #LetsChangeTheAct @humanistsociety @abortionrightsscot @amnestyscotland @lawmanity @backoffscotland @youngwomenscot @lgbtiscotland @scottishtuc @nusscotlandWe're disappointed to see no commitments to reforming abortion law in the coming year this week in the parliament. It’s unacceptable that Scotland is now the only place in the UK where women and pregnant people can be criminalised for ending a pregnancy. For too long, women in Scotland have had to settle for a system of abortion law that doesn’t put their needs, health and rights first. We were also surprised that the Government's five-year Programme for Government released this week does not include commitments to modernise our badly outdated abortion laws and to safeguard women’s reproductive rights. The Abortion Law Review Expert Group spent a year compiling the evidence base for reform – we need action now to bring Scotland in line with international health and human rights standards and create an abortion framework that's in sync with the realities of modern healthcare and prevents harmful police investigations and prosecutions. We need your help to persuade political leaders in Scotland to take action to modernise abortion law: ➡️ Share the campaign with friends, colleagues, and family ➡️ Email your MSP via our website ➡️ Sign up as a member for free Times up for outdated abortion law. Let’s change the Act. @abortionrightsscot @backoffscotland @humanistsociety @lawmanity @amnestyscotland @lgbtiscotland @youngwomenscot @scottishtuc @zerotolerancescotland @nusscotland @bpas_1968 @womenslibrary #AbortionRights #ReproductiveRights #DecriminaliseAbortion #LetsChangeTheAct #ScottishPoliticsNew Blog Alert! 📝 We're excited to share this latest guest post by historian, activist and Let's change the Act campaigner @_kristinwh0 on lessons from the history of Scottish abortion activism. She discusses the roots of the abortion rights movement in Scotland and why we need to take action for reform now. ➡️ Head to the link in our bio to read the blog and find out how you can become a member and support the Let's change the Act campaign. #AbortionRights #ReproductiveRights #DecriminalisAbortion #LetsChangeTheAct #ScottishPoliticsSoon, the Program for Government will be finalised, a document which outlines the Scottish Government’s key priorities. It is essential that abortion law reform is prioritised. This week we wrote to First Minister John Swiney with four key asks, 1. Abortion law reform is prioritised during the first year of the new Parliament 2. A renewed commitment to progress the work of the Abortion Law Review Expert Group is included in the Programme for Government 2026-27 3. Scottish Ministers show leadership in supporting abortion law reform that brings Scotland in line with international best practice 4. Sufficient resources are dedicated to protect against the growing tide of extremist, misogynistic rhetoric and misinformation against reproductive rights, and the serious threat this poses in Scotland. We campaign for > the full decriminalisation of abortion and > a modernised abortion care framework The current legal framework is hugely outdated and undermines gender equality, creates abortion stigma and barriers to access, and places marginalised groups and vulnerable individuals at most risk of harm. How can you support us? > Follow us > Share this post with a pal > Take 30 seconds to sign up to become a free member Time’s up for outdated abortion law. Let’s change the Act!
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