The Scottish Parliament

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S7W-01705

Asked by: Dawn Black, MSP for Angus North and Mearns, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 10 August 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that healthcare professionals across all NHS boards are aware of the potential risks associated with the long-term use of the contraceptive injection, Depo-Provera, and that users receive clear, consistent and appropriate advice.

On 29 June, I met with women affected by Depo-Provera® to listen directly to their experiences and concerns. I was grateful for the opportunity to hear their accounts and to better understand the challenges they face.

At that meeting, I agreed that the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer would issue a letter directly to healthcare professionals in Scotland to ensure that they (1) are aware of the risks associated with the long-term use of Depo-Provera®, (2) describe these risks clearly to women, (3) review prescribing of Depo-Provera® every two years, in line with the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare guidance, and (4) are aware of any actions they should take in the event that a meningioma is suspected.

The letter will also emphasise the importance of Yellow Card reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). The MHRA’s UK-wide Yellow Card reporting system collects data on ADRs and the MHRA monitors these as part of its pharmacovigilance responsibility. Healthcare professionals and/or any member of the public who suffers a suspected ADR should complete and send a Yellow Card report which is used to identify and monitor medicine safety.

Question reference: S7W-01704

Asked by: Dawn Black, MSP for Angus North and Mearns, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 10 August 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to carry out a rapid review of the available evidence on the risks associated with the long-term use of the contraceptive injection, Depo-Provera.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has responsibility for the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines through its licensing and pharmacovigilance functions, which are reserved matters.

The MHRA continues to closely monitor the safety of Depo-Provera®, as it does with all licensed medicines, and is examining recent data and seeking advice from experts on the need for any further action. Given this ongoing work, I have no plans to commission a separate evidence review.

Question reference: S7O-00024

Asked by: Dawn Black, MSP for Angus North and Mearns, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 03 June 2026
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 June 2026

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress of the business plan for the A90/A937 Laurencekirk Junction Improvement Scheme, including when it expects the scheme to move from the development pipeline to the delivery pipeline.

Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Filter your results Hide all filters

Question reference: S7W-01705

Answer

Question reference: S7W-01704

Answer

Question reference: S7O-00024

Answer