MSPs have unanimously backed Scottish Government plans for a law to curb the use of cosmetic procedures such as Botox, fillers and Brazilian butt lifts.
The Non-Surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill has cleared its first hurdle in the Scottish Parliament after being passed at the first stage.
Ministers want to ensure non-surgical procedures are only carried out by registered health professionals working in “appropriate conditions”.
The legislation would also make it an offense to provide these procedures to under-18s.
Advice Direct Scotland warned last year that people as young as 15 had sought support about botox and filler treatment.
In total, 430 people had contacted customersadvice.scot for help with procedures gone wrong, with customers suffering a combined financial loss of £192,000.
“LIGHT UP EVERY ROOM”
Family pay tribute to ‘bubbiest’ Scottish mum killed in car crash
“DEEP TYPE”
Scottish school headteacher who failed to report a playground teacher avoided classroom ban
Jenni Minto, minister for public health and women’s health, told Parliament: “Non-surgical procedures are becoming more and more popular, but regulation is not keeping pace with this growing industry.
“Many people who undergo these procedures are happy with the results and there are many responsible professionals active in both the medical and beauty sectors of the industry. Many people appreciate these procedures.
“This bill is not about restricting access or judging anyone who receives them.
“However, I have heard many powerful accounts of these procedures gone wrong, including the tragic death of a young mother in England.
Most read in The Scottish Sun
“I am grateful to those who brought these stories to my attention, including many MSPs in the room who campaigned on this issue.
“I am introducing this bill as Minister of Public Health.
“However, as Minister for Women’s Health, I am also very aware that these stories, these stories of harm, have predominantly affected women and we must act to minimize the risks of future harm to anyone undergoing these procedures.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said that while patients are overwhelmingly female, those working in the field are also overwhelmingly female.
He warned that if MFAs “get the balance wrong” on regulations, “skilled and experienced professionals could be shut out of the profession altogether”.
Conservative MSP Maurice Golden warned the bill could put 1,800 women-run businesses to the wall.
Ms Minto said she did not recognize those numbers.
