Abortion women could get cash for travel
ULSTER CASES PLEA
BY ANDY PHILIP THE Health Secretary is considering giving financial support to Northern Irish women who access abortion services in Scotland.
Jeane Freeman responded after calls by Labour MSP Kezia Dugdale to set up bursaries for travel and accommodation for affected women.
In a letter seen by the Record, Freeman states: “The Scottish Government believe all women should have access to abortion services as part of routine care, and available free from stigma and harassment.
“While we have introduced arrangements to allow women from Northern Ireland to access abortion services in Scotland without being charged, I note your concerns that there are still the costs associated with their travel and accommodation.
“I recognise that providing funding for travel and accommodation would be helpful in these situations, particularly for patients on low incomes.”
Freeman said there are “complex issues” to be considered on the limit of government power under devolution.
But she added: “I would like to reassure you, though, that the Scottish Government are carefully considering the options for further support to women from Northern Ireland.”
Dugdale, who raised the issue at Holyrood in June, last night called for First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to add the policy to her legislative agenda for the year ahead, which is being announced today.
Dugdale said: “These are very welcome comments from the Health Secretary.
“I have been urging the Scottish Government to consider addressing the barriers that women face when boarding ferries in Belfast in accessing services here in Scotland.
“That’s why I support the introduction of a travel bursary for as long as Northern Irish women are denied their basic human rights.”