SPUC has condemned the SNP’s decision to continue DIY home abortion despite having yet to receive the conclusion of its own Government safety assessment. “It is clear that this decision is motivated by ideology rather the good cause of safeguarding the wellbeing of mothers and their unborn children”, said a SPUC spokesperson.
Yesterday, Women’s Health Minister Maree Todd announced that the DIY home abortion scheme would remain in place in Scotland, despite being introduced as a “temporary” measure.
A Scottish Government safety evaluation on DIY abortion has yet to conclude. SPUC has pointed out that in both England and Wales, as well as Scotland, the safety of mothers has been ignored in favour of an agenda seeking to “normalise” abortion.
Last year, a “devastating” survey revealed that over 10,000 women who took DIY abortion pills in the UK required hospital treatment in 2020 alone.
In a UK Government consultation, 70% of respondents said that DIY home abortion should end immediately, while only 22% said the scheme should be made permanent, as reported by SPUC. The safeguarding of women was the primary concern of respondents, with 69% stating that DIY abortion had a negative impact – most of all regarding the safety of women.
Despite the overwhelming weight of public opinion against DIY abortion, 215 MPs voted in favour of making the scheme permanent in England, which SPUC condemned as a “disgusting” hijacking of a healthcare bill.
Majority of Scots deeply concerned about DIY abortion
In Scotland, a recent ComRes poll showed that an overwhelming majority of the Scottish public had deep concerns about DIY abortion:
- 83% of Scottish adults are concerned about women finding it distressing, potentially having to dispose of the terminated pregnancy either into the toilet or sanitary pads.
- 79% of Scottish adults are concerned about the possibility of abortion drugs being falsely obtained for another person.
- 84% of Scottish adults say they are concerned about women being at risk of being coerced into an abortion by a partner or family member.
SNP undermines safety of mothers
SPUC’s Michael Robinson, Executive Director (Public Affairs and Legal Services), said: “DIY home abortion is a dangerous policy that has been shamelessly used to normalise abortion.
“Despite obvious safety concerns, the SNP has followed Westminster MPs by ignoring the facts of the matter and disregarding the well-founded views of a large majority of Scots.
“That the SNP did not even wait for the conclusion of its own safety evaluation shows that it only cares about advancing abortion ideology, not the safety and wellbeing of mothers.
“Ultimately, this is a cynical, reckless and disgraceful decision by the party of abortion in Scotland. Scottish voters should take note.”