Dr. Ruth Fletcher:

The committee would have to do more than decriminalise abortion to deliver on the recommendations and ensure a safe, timely service is made available. Decriminalisation is one good tool that would take the punishment element away, but there would need to be some clarity about the terms on which an abortion service is provided. Given the history of having outsourced provision, there is not an institutional history of developing the service. The transition from a situation in this country where abortion care has not been integrated into the provision will require positive legislation to guide the terms on which the service would be provided. Decriminalisation is an important tool that would help to deliver that service, but not the only necessary tool.