Scottish Pro-Life Group Urges First Minister to Reject Abortion Law Reforms

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has formally requested that Scottish First Minister John Swinney oppose proposed changes to abortion legislation. The group expressed concern over a draft motion that incorporates recommendations from the Scottish Abortion Law Reform Expert Group, which critics argue would effectively permit abortion up to the point of birth by removing current legal ceilings.

Under existing Scottish law, abortions are generally permitted up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for specific medical circumstances thereafter. SPUC Chief Executive John Deighan characterized the proposed reforms as a radical shift that could lead to the decriminalization of abortion, potentially resulting in one of the most permissive legal frameworks globally. The organization’s intervention follows the release of official data indicating that over 18,000 abortions were recorded in Scotland last year, marking the highest number since records began. SPUC is calling for clear leadership from the First Minister to ensure that the 24-week limit remains in place.