Thursday 11 June 2026, Cabinet Secretary Angela Constance announced an independent review of maternity services in Scotland - and I want to take a moment to acknowledge what this means.
For the women and families who have experienced harm, who have raised their voices, and who have waited a long time to be heard: this matters. Their courage in speaking out is what makes change possible.
Maternity safety has been one of my four published priorities since taking up this role. I have written to the Cabinet Secretary and made clear my view that Scotland needs a robust, independent assurance process for maternity services, one that centres the experiences of women and acts with urgency.
I'm glad that work has contributed to the momentum behind today's announcement. I'm particularly pleased that the review's principles commit to hearing from women and families who are less often heard - including those in rural and island communities, and those facing the greatest inequalities in outcomes.
The principles published today are strong. The review will be forward-looking, whole systems in scope, and crucially independently chaired. I look forward to engaging with Professor Christine McCourt and contributing to the full scope and terms of reference.
Scotland's women and babies deserve safe, high-quality maternity care. Today is an important step toward that.