Report recommends abortion up to birth in Scotland, including sex-selective abortion

The Scottish Government is facing growing criticism after an expert review recommended allowing abortions up to birth, including for reasons such as the baby’s sex.

An expert review commissioned by the Scottish Government has recommended abolishing the 24-week legal limit for abortion and introducing broader criteria under which abortions could be performed — including up to birth.

The Abortion Law Review Expert Group suggests that abortions could be permitted for wide-ranging “social circumstances” without the current requirement for two doctors’ approval.

These changes could allow abortions to be approved by a wider range of healthcare professionals, not just doctors.

The report makes clear that there should be no prohibition on sex-selective abortion — meaning terminations could legally be carried out simply due to the baby’s sex.

Critics warn that such a framework would legalise abortion on demand for any reason at any stage of pregnancy, as well as legitimise discrimination on the basis of being female.

Polling indicates strong public opposition to these proposed changes.

A recent survey found that 91% of women oppose sex-selective abortion, and 70% support reducing the current 24-week limit to 20 weeks or less.

Despite this, the review includes no recommendations for additional safeguards or public consultation on the ethical implications.

Fleur Elizabeth Meston, writing in The Critic, described the recommendations as “barbaric” and out of step with public values.

“There is a gap in humanity between the so-called progressives and the public,” she noted.

By European standards, the proposals are extreme: the average legal limit for abortion on social grounds in EU countries is just 12 weeks.

The composition and funding of the Expert Group have also raised concerns.

Many of its 13 members have links to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), either as staff or former board members.

BPAS has previously advocated for abortion without time limits.

Engender, one of the organisations backing the reform, has received 98% of its declared income from the Scottish Government and over £1.3 million in taxpayer funds over the past three years.

Critics argue that public money is being used to lobby for legal changes that the majority of Scots do not support.

Any legislative change would likely come before the next Holyrood parliament, with a free vote expected for MSPs.

However, the review has sparked significant debate over whether Scotland’s laws are being shaped by campaign groups rather than the people they are meant to serve.