Image: Shutterstock
SPUC has today welcomed the decision by the Scottish National Party (SNP) to remove a controversial draft motion on abortion law reform from its final National Conference agenda.
The draft motion, which sought to endorse recommendations from the Scottish Abortion Law Reform Expert Group, had sparked widespread concern among pro-life campaigners. SPUC had previously warned that moving toward total decriminalisation would dismantle the current 24-week legal ceiling, opening the door to an extreme framework allowing abortion up to birth.
Following a campaign highlighting these ethical concerns, SPUC has welcomed the decision of the SNP leadership and conference organisers for listening to the public and ensuring the radical proposal was omitted from the final agenda.
John Deighan, SPUC Chief Executive, said:
“We warmly welcome the decision to drop this deeply divisive motion from the final conference agenda. By stepping back from this proposal, the SNP has shown a willingness to listen to the many people across Scotland who harbour profound ethical concerns about removing vital legal protections for unborn children.
“This is a constructive step forward. Society is at its best when we seek to support both women and their unborn children, rather than moving toward unregulated, late-term frameworks.”
While welcoming this decision, SPUC has affirmed that it remains fully vigilant regarding the future of abortion legislation in Scotland. The organisation stands ready to mobilise its network of supporters again should the Scottish Government launch a public consultation on the expert abortion group’s final recommendations.
Mr. Deighan added:
“While we are pleased with this outcome today, we recognize that the underlying proposals from the Abortion Law Reform Expert Group may still be brought forward in the future. SPUC stands fully prepared to engage constructively, yet firmly, in any future public consultations. We will always be ready to defend the right to life of the unborn and ensure that Scotland’s laws respect human dignity.”
