Scottish Govt urged to reject extreme abortion proposals

The Scottish Government must reject extreme abortion proposals or risk heart-breaking consequences for women and babies, CARE for Scotland warned today.

The charity has spoken out after The Abortion Law Reform Expert Group, set up by former First Minister Humza Yousaf, published its final recommendations for to the Scottish Government this morning on changing Scotland's current abortion law.

Among the most shocking parts of the proposed changes is a recommendation that abortion be allowed essentially for any reason up to birth, provided two healthcare professionals agree 'in good faith' that an abortion is appropriate.

The current law says abortion post-24 weeks is only allowed in cases of 'serious handicap', or if the mother's life is at risk.

There are a range of other extreme suggestions, including removing vital safeguards (like the requirement for two doctors to approve an abortion up to 24 weeks) and that 'no specific reference is made to sex-selective abortion within any updated abortion legislation.'

Responding to the final report, CARE for Scotland's Director of Advocacy and Policy, Caroline Ansell, said:

“These extreme proposals to further radicalise Scotland’s abortion law are truly shocking.

“If enacted, we believe they would have heart-breaking consequences for women and babies, including exposing more women to the dangers and harms of late-term abortions.

“If taken up by the Scottish Government, it would be a retrograde and backwards step.

“We believe in every pregnancy both lives matter and a truly just society protects women and babies at every stage of the pregnancy.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

For interviews / more information, please contact James Mildred: james.mildred@care.org.uk // 07717516814

The report from the Group can be read here: Review of Abortion Law in Scotland Expert Group Report - gov.scot2(50%)

In Scotland, the latest statistics revealed there were 18,711 abortions in 2024, a 3% increase on 2023. It was also the highest number ever recorded in a single year.