Bishops’ Conference of Scotland responds to calls for decriminalisation of abortion

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland issued a statement expressing deep concern over renewed proposals to decriminalise abortion and remove legal safeguards for unborn life. Bishop John Keenan, president of the conference's Marriage, Family and Life Commission, noted that the proposals would allow abortion up to birth for any reason, including sex-selective abortion.

The conference rejected claims by the Scottish Greens that abortion should be treated like any other healthcare procedure. The statement argued that abortion is the deliberate ending of an innocent life and cannot be described as a safe healthcare intervention.

The bishops stated that society should protect both mothers and children, particularly when they are vulnerable. Rather than weakening protections for the unborn, the conference suggested that society should offer practical support, compassionate care, and genuine alternatives to women facing difficult circumstances during pregnancy.