Guidance and protocol of abortions: FOI release

Information requested

1. The number of persons born alive as a result of termination (abortion) in NHS facilities in Scotland, annualised between 2018-2023 inclusive.

2. The median age in weeks of persons born alive as a result of termination (abortion) in NHS facilities in Scotland, annualised between 2018-2023 inclusive.

3. The median period of time in minutes for which persons born alive as a result of termination (abortion) in NHS facilities in Scotland survived until death, annualised between 2018-2023 inclusive.

4. A list of the methods used to terminate the lives of persons born alive as a result of termination (abortion) (after the failed termination (abortion)) in NHS facilities in Scotland, annualised between 2018-2023 inclusive.

5. A copy of the protocols, policies, guidance and procedures used in NHS facilities in Scotland with regard to care for persons born alive as a result of termination (abortion), applicable for 2018-2023 inclusive.

6. A copy of the protocols, policies, guidance and procedures for recording and reporting events whereby a person is born alive as a result of termination (abortion) in NHS facilities in Scotland, applicable for 2018-2023 inclusive.

Response

The answers to each of your questions in turn are provided below. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have some of the information you have requested. The reasons why we don't have the information are explained below. This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have most of the information you have requested.

1/2/3. The Scottish Government does not collect any data on the points covered in your and we are not aware of any other organisation collecting such information either.

4. NHS staff would not actively (by any ‘method’) terminate the life of any baby that is born alive following a termination

5. The Scottish Government does not have any specific protocols, guidance or procedures in relation to this. Therefore the Scottish Government does not hold this information.

6. As above, there are no specific protocols for this. Therefore the Scottish Government does not have this information.

However, the Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) framework for monitoring and reporting serious adverse events may apply in some circumstances (in any case where a significant adverse event had occurred). For further information please see the HIS website:
https://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/governance_and_assurance/learning_from_adverse_events/national_framework.aspx

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.