Scottish bishops condemn Green Party push to decriminalise abortion up to 24 weeks

In a recent statement, a Scottish bishops’ commission chaired by Bishop John Keenan of Paisley criticised the Scottish Green Party’s appeal to one outlet administration to legalise abortion on demand up to 24 weeks. The bishops emphasized that abortion deliberately ends the life of a defenseless human being and that a just society must protect both mother and child, especially in vulnerable situations. They urged policymakers to weigh the ethical, medical and societal impacts of the proposed law and to boost resources for prenatal care, post-natal mental-health services, family-support initiatives and practical assistance for women facing hardship.

The bishops also highlighted that the public debate often overlooks the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves, calling for a culture of solidarity that safeguards all lives. Abortion remains widely available in Scotland but is currently illegal when performed outside the legal framework.