The Catholic Bishops of Scotland have called for “human life and the dignity of the human person to be at the centre of Scotland’s political discourse". Michael Robinson, SPUC Director of Communications, said: “The result of the 2021 Scottish Elections could have huge consequences for unborn babies and vulnerable people. We welcome these comments from the Scottish bishops and we pray that every person uses their vote to build a pro-life Scotland.”

In a letter from the Catholic bishops of Scotland, Scottish Catholics were urged to establish their candidates’ voting intentions on life issues such as abortion and assisted suicide and to place the dignity of the human person at the centre of their vote.

“Catholics have a duty”

The letter read: “It is critical to ascertain candidates’ personal values and opinions and not concentrate solely on party politics…

“As Catholics we have a duty; to share the Gospel and to help form public conscience on key moral issues. It is a duty of both faith and citizenship. This election is an opportunity to be the effective witness our Baptism calls us to be.

“It is the duty of parliamentarians to uphold the most basic and fundamental human right to life. Elected representatives ought to recognize the existence of human life from the moment of conception and be committed to the protection of human life at every stage. Caring for the unborn and their mothers is a fundamental measure of a caring and compassionate society; a society which puts human dignity at the centre.

“We ought to be mindful of a further attempt to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland, likely to happen in this parliament. Legalising assisted suicide or euthanasia suggests that some lives are not worth living, contrary to the Christian belief that every life has equal dignity and value. It is incumbent upon our parliamentarians to show compassion for the sick and dying. This is not achieved by assisted suicide or euthanasia but by ensuring support is provided through caring and attentive politics, including investment in palliative care.”

“Value your vote”

SPUC’s Mr Robinson said: “Abortion and assisted suicide are both matters devolved to Scotland, and there is a real possibility of changes to the law in these areas in the next Parliament. The bishops are correct to be raising awareness of these issues which could hugely impact vulnerable human life in Scotland.”

The 2021 Scottish Election will be taking place on take place on May 6th. Electors in Scotland will be voting for constituency and regional representatives.

SPUC has now launched a voting resource that will help pro-life people in Scotland use their vote for a pro-life Scotland.

You can access SPUC’s resource here.

Mr Robinson added: “SPUC is asking all pro-life Scots to please do all they can to be voice for unborn babies and vulnerable people in this election. It is vital that we value our vote.”