SNP Drops Controversial Abortion Motion Amid Criticism
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has expressed approval following the Scottish National Party’s decision to retract a contentious abortion motion from its National Conference agenda.
The motion, initially revealed in a September leak, aimed to adopt recommendations from the Scottish Abortion Law Reform Expert Group. Critics have pointed out that this group lacks representation from pro-life perspectives and operates under a “non-regression” principle, which favors expanding abortion rights rather than restricting them.
Adding to the controversy, the Scottish Greens recently endorsed the expert group’s findings, drawing criticism from pro-life supporters.
Bishop John Keenan, President of the National Office for Marriage, Family and Life of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, voiced the Catholic Church’s concerns over these developments. He stated, “These proposals would permit abortion up to birth for any reason, including sex-selective abortion.”
SPUC described the proposals as “disastrous and destructive”.
Although the SNP removed the motion from the conference, the possibility remains that the Scottish government might still explore the expert group’s recommendations through a “public consultation.”
John Deighan, SPUC’s Chief Executive, expressed satisfaction with the motion’s removal, stating, “We warmly welcome the decision to drop this deeply divisive motion from the final conference agenda.”
Michael Robinson, SPUC’s Executive Director, also commented on the situation, calling the news “encouraging” and emphasizing, “It is right to welcome a positive decision when one is made. We want politicians of every party to recognise that supporting women and protecting unborn children should go hand in hand.”
Robinson further mentioned SPUC’s intention to participate in any public consultation if the government decides to proceed with one.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
