Abortion – Let’s Talk About It

Published 10/07/2019.  Last updated 11/04/2023
sourceLearning resources schoolHealth and Wellbeing (HWB)

​​This ​animated video from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian provides factual information about abortion care in Scotland for young people. It describes young people’s rights to abortion care and confidentiality, what is involved in abortion care, and how young people can access it should they ever require to. The tone of the animation is reassuring and non-judgemental.​​​

Background​

The resource was produced following research with groups of young people across Scotland.

PDF file: Young People's Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes to Abortion: An Exploratory Focus Group Study (442 KB)

This found significant gaps in young people’s knowledge about abortion relating to basic information on the where, when and how abortions are provided in Scotland. Young people described a broad range of myths and misinformation about abortion. Young people participating in the research requested that information on abortion should be made available including in education establishments.

Improvement questions

  • How aware are learners of their rights to access confidential health services?
  • How do we ensure there is an ethos and culture of inclusion, participation and positive relationships across the whole learning community?
  • How well are we removing barriers to learning and ensuring equity for all?

How to use this resource

​This resource can be used as part of Personal and Social Education (PSE) which includes the Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) organiser within the HWB Curriculum area. The short animation is supported by a factsheet for young people which provides further information.

The intention of this resource is not designed to open up debate on learners values in relation to abortion, rather it is intended to provide a basic level of knowledge about an aspect of health care which 1 in 3 women will access at some point in their lives.

The Experiences and Outcomes in Curriculum for Excellence identify that young people are entitled to learn about:

"I know how to access services, information and support if my sexual health and wellbeing is at risk. I am aware of my rights in relation to sexual health including my right to confidentiality, and my responsibilities, including those under the law." HWB 3-48a / HWB 4-48a

Staff can use their professional judgement to ascertain the knowledge and skills of young people using the following benchmarks:

  • understands the rights and responsibilities required for safe and enjoyable sex
  • explains how to access both local and national information, guidance and help

More details about the services that are available locally are available on your local sexual health service website.

A learning activity to support this topic can be found on the RSHP website on a Third/Fourth Level page. They also provide an Activity Plan​ (PDF).​​​

​Video

This animation is provided through the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde YouTube channel​.

​Download the factsheet

PDF file: Let's Talk about Abortion - Factsheet (275 KB)

Abortion – Let’s Talk About It

Published 10/07/2019.  Last updated 11/04/2023
sourceLearning resources schoolHealth and Wellbeing (HWB)

​​This ​animated video from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian provides factual information about abortion care in Scotland for young people. It describes young people’s rights to abortion care and confidentiality, what is involved in abortion care, and how young people can access it should they ever require to. The tone of the animation is reassuring and non-judgemental.​​​

Background​

The resource was produced following research with groups of young people across Scotland.

PDF file: Young People's Knowledge, Beliefs and Attitudes to Abortion: An Exploratory Focus Group Study (442 KB)

This found significant gaps in young people’s knowledge about abortion relating to basic information on the where, when and how abortions are provided in Scotland. Young people described a broad range of myths and misinformation about abortion. Young people participating in the research requested that information on abortion should be made available including in education establishments.

Improvement questions

  • How aware are learners of their rights to access confidential health services?
  • How do we ensure there is an ethos and culture of inclusion, participation and positive relationships across the whole learning community?
  • How well are we removing barriers to learning and ensuring equity for all?

How to use this resource

​This resource can be used as part of Personal and Social Education (PSE) which includes the Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) organiser within the HWB Curriculum area. The short animation is supported by a factsheet for young people which provides further information.

The intention of this resource is not designed to open up debate on learners values in relation to abortion, rather it is intended to provide a basic level of knowledge about an aspect of health care which 1 in 3 women will access at some point in their lives.

The Experiences and Outcomes in Curriculum for Excellence identify that young people are entitled to learn about:

"I know how to access services, information and support if my sexual health and wellbeing is at risk. I am aware of my rights in relation to sexual health including my right to confidentiality, and my responsibilities, including those under the law." HWB 3-48a / HWB 4-48a

Staff can use their professional judgement to ascertain the knowledge and skills of young people using the following benchmarks:

  • understands the rights and responsibilities required for safe and enjoyable sex
  • explains how to access both local and national information, guidance and help

More details about the services that are available locally are available on your local sexual health service website.

A learning activity to support this topic can be found on the RSHP website on a Third/Fourth Level page. They also provide an Activity Plan​ (PDF).​​​

​Video

This animation is provided through the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde YouTube channel​.

​Download the factsheet

PDF file: Let's Talk about Abortion - Factsheet (275 KB)