The Scottish Government is preparing to launch a public consultation on recommendations from a review that could allow abortions up to birth in Scotland, though ministers say no legislation will be introduced during the current parliamentary year. The proposals stem from a review commissioned last year by former First Minister Humza Yousaf, and any eventual changes could significantly increase the number of terminations carried out, making this a highly sensitive issue for both healthcare policy and public opinion.

Public Health Secretary Maree Todd confirmed the consultation would fulfil a 2026 manifesto commitment but stressed that law reform is complex and requires extensive engagement with stakeholders before any decisions are made. Currently, abortion is legal before 24 weeks with the agreement of two doctors on specific grounds, but the review proposed removing this requirement, permitting terminations up to birth with sign-off from two doctors or nurses, and fully decriminalising abortion. The Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child criticised the plans as potentially creating one of the world's most extreme abortion laws, urging First Minister John Swinney to reject the proposals, while the government's chief medical officer has separately called for more consistent abortion service provision across health boards.