Scotland's Catholic bishops oppose Green Party's abortion healthcare proposal

Scotland’s Catholic bishops said on Saturday they are “deeply disturbed” by the Scottish Greens’ call to treat abortion “like any other healthcare procedure,” a statement that underscores a growing clash between the church and the country’s left‑wing parties over reproductive rights.

The comment comes as the Greens, who hold a pivotal balance of power in the Holyrood coalition, have pressed for a review of the 1968 Abortion Act as it applies in Scotland. Their aim is to remove the requirement for a doctor’s approval and to classify abortion as a routine health service, a move they argue would reduce stigma and improve access. The bishops’ reaction is rooted in the Catholic Church’s long‑standing opposition to abortion, which it regards as the taking of innocent life. The statement follows a series of public meetings and a petition by the Green Party that gathered thousands of signatures ahead of the upcoming 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

In a brief press release, the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said the proposal “undermines the moral fabric of society” and threatens vulnerable women. The Catholic hierarchy urged the government to protect unborn life and to consider alternatives such as adoption and support services. Green spokesperson Claire Cameron responded that the church’s stance “does not reflect the lived reality of many Scottish women” and warned that the bishops’ language could alienate voters. Labour and SNP leaders have so far stayed neutral, but both have signaled a willingness to listen to the public debate.

The dispute is likely to surface in the next parliamentary session, where the Greens will push a bill to amend abortion regulations. If passed, the legislation could change the way clinics operate and how doctors certify procedures. The bishops say they will continue to lobby, using pastoral letters and public statements to influence lawmakers. The outcome will shape Scotland’s health policy and test the influence of religious voices in a country where secular values are increasingly dominant.