Scottish bishop tells Crux Now proposed change to Scotland’s abortion law could limit conscientious objection

LEICESTER, United Kingdom – In Scotland, the Catholic Church is opposing efforts to decriminalize all abortions in the country.

Last year, the Scottish Government’s Expert Working Group on Abortion Law advocated lifting laws in Scotland, which is the only country in the United Kingdom where an unlawful abortion is a criminal offense.

In Scotland, abortions in pregnancies before the 24th week are legal if approved by two medical professionals, while other abortions can be performed after the 24th week if certain conditions are met.

The UK Parliament recently removed criminal liability for women ending their own pregnancies in England and Wales, but that doesn’t apply to Scotland.

The Catholic Parliamentary Office of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said it is “deeply troubling” that the Scottish Parliament is looking at changing the current law.

“Human life possesses inherent dignity and worth from conception until natural death, and any proposal that would further weaken safeguards for unborn children, including abortion up to the point of birth and sex-selective abortion, raises profound moral and ethical concerns,” the statement said.

“Rather than expanding access to abortion, Scotland should focus on providing practical support to mothers, children and families, ensuring that no woman feels