Rebecca Williamson
Published: 28 October 2025
Rebecca's PhD examines the conceptualisation of abortion in mid-nineteenth century Scotland, utilising legal, medical, and press sources to construct focussed microhistories and analyse grander overarching narratives.
Rebecca Williamson is a doctoral researcher in History, with additional supervision coming from the School of Law. Her thesis Conceptualising Abortion in Mid-Nineteenth Century Scotland examines narratives arising from trials for procuring abortion and concealment of pregnancy in Scotland. She argues for a mid-century ‘moment’ of increased medical, legal, and press scrutiny of illegitimate sex and reproductive bodies. At the centre of her research is a concern with elaborating the lives and complexities of women who sought out, attempted, or received abortions. Her PhD is funded by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities.
Rebecca is a member of the Women’s History Scotland Steering Committee, and co-convenor of the Centre for Gender History’s Hufton Postgraduate Reading Group. She is also a volunteer birth companion with Amma, an organisation that provides support to individuals facing significant barriers to maternity care in Glasgow.