Controversial contraception scheme for women in Dundee to be discussed in Parliament

A controversial scheme aimed at supporting Dundee's most vulnerable women is being discussed in Parliament later.

The Pause programme offers mums, who've had children put into care, extra counselling but only if if they agree to go on long-term contraception.

It aims to break the cycle of women having kids who then end up in the care system.

The scheme targets those struggling with the likes of addiction or mental health.

Dundee is the first place in Scotland to trial it, but the programme's divided opinion.

Does it support those most in need or does it take away their choice to have a child?

Dundee City Council's chief social worker Jane Martin says she understands people's concerns but says women won't be forced into taking the contraception.

"The whole concept around Pause is that people take a pause from their pregnancy," she said.

"But it's not an either or situation. It's not for everyone, and it's important to emphasise that.

"It's a voluntary scheme. Pause works very intensively with women over a four month period to ensure the consent they give is informed consent."

The scheme originated down south and is yet to be introduced anywhere in Scotland.

It was scheduled to come in this month but as of yet no start date has been confirmed.

Sharon Brand's a former heroine addict and now supports others at Recovery Dundee.

She has concerns over whether women will be able to make an informed decision.

"Women are going to agree to this no matter what, that is what's going to happen," she said.

"There's people who won't understand the implications of their decision."

" I had a contraceptive rod in myself and I had to get it removed because I could not get a handle on my mental and physical health.

Sylvia Fox is a recovering addict and has been on methadone for over 30 years.

Two of her children were taken from her and put into care during the height of her addiction.

She also doesn't believe it's the right step for Dundee to take and says she would have jumped at support whilst she was an addict, no matter what the condition was.

"I would've took it, just to get the help," she said.

"I could never imagined being forced to it but the most vulnerable will take whatever they can get."

"Not every woman agrees with any kind of contraception. I don't think it's right to have to take contraception to get help."