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Amma has joined a coalition of 36 healthcare bodies and women’s rights organisations in writing to Scotland’s First Minister, calling for the reinstatement of a dedicated Women’s Health Minister following the removal of the role after last month’s elections.
Why this matters
Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s recent inspection reports have highlighted mounting pressures and serious safety concerns within maternity services across Scotland. We also know that women are facing rising waits for gynaecological care, inequitable access to perinatal mental health support, and significant gaps in abortion provision.
Beyond these immediate pressures, there is longstanding evidence that women experience deep-rooted systemic bias, poorer outcomes, and barriers to care across the health system. These inequalities disproportionately affect those who are already marginalised, including the women we support at Amma.
Accountability is essential
Without a dedicated minister, responsibility for women’s health now sits within a broad portfolio that also covers mental wellbeing, public health, sport, alcohol and drugs. We don’t want women’s health to compete for attention within a wide-reaching portfolio.
Women’s healthcare in Scotland needs visible, senior leadership — someone whose sole focus is ensuring that the system works for women. We urge the First Minister to reinstate the role and restore the accountability it represents.