On 14 November 2025, the Expert Group on Abortion Law Reform in Scotland published its report, containing 36 recommendations. In March 2026 Scottish Government reached out to stakeholders to seek their views on the recommendations, so that those views may “assist with (Scottish Government’s) work to analyse the report.” The 36 recommendations are not Scottish Government proposals. Those will follow in due course.

Most of the 36 recommendations of the Expert Group accord with RCN’s established and published positions on abortion law reform. Our positions focus on (1) right to choose, (2) access to safe care, (3) right to conscientious objection except in an emergency, and (4) that abortion is governed by regulatory not criminal law. But we have some concerns about elements of the recommendations to do with (i) the proposed revised grounds on which an abortion may be conducted (ii) the responsibilities of, and protections for, “healthcare professionals” who may be involved in abortions, and (iii) penalties to which healthcare providers may be made subject.