Chamber and committees

Was that the initial contact with the police?

No, take your time.

I support that. If the athletics associations are already looking into the issue, bringing the evidence to the committee would be very worth while.

Thank you, Stephanie. I really appreciate you coming along and sharing your story with us.

I am interested in two things. First, could you tell me a wee bit about your experience of the postcode lottery that you felt? It stands out in your statement. Have you made contact with any other families that have had the same experience?

I am quite supportive of the general principles of the petition about decriminalising abortion. In a modern society, it seems right that the Abortion Act 1967 should be updated. I would be interested to know why the Government says that it is supportive of that but has not set out any plans to do it. Can we explore that?

I know that there is medical support behind changing the law, so it would be interesting to ensure that we have all that information. I would like us to take the petition forward.

It was just if you had one or two things that you would like us to put forward as ideas to change the system at that very first bit.

It is good to join the committee. I will pass on your best wishes to Paul. I have nothing to declare at this time.

I am interested in whether the witnesses have specific recommendations from the groups to which they have spoken. Are there two or three specific points that everybody agrees would be helpful?

I am very supportive of that point. A lot of constituents who contact us on this issue are very distressed. There is a lack of urgency in providing that information, which might give people direction and comfort. It is important that we are strong on the fact that we have had delay in this area for far too long.

I am very supportive of the comments that have been made. I would particularly support getting some feedback from organisations such as Scottish Women’s Aid, because that might give some weight to the fact that, as you say, convener, it does not seem sensible to wait for four years to implement such urgent legislation.