THE devolution of abortion law has left many people feeling anxious. Even among those who believe Scotland should be an independent country with full control over its own affairs, there is unease at the prospect of making any change to the law regarding this most sensitive of subjects.
This is understandable. While many Scots are proud to regard themselves as liberal, progressive and fully supportive of gender equality, there are others who take equal pride in standing firm with a quite different set of beliefs. Realistically, there are likely to be few changes of heart during the forthcoming debate about abortion law, regardless of the views aired or evidence presented.
Women’s groups, no doubt anticipating a well-funded campaign against abortion led by the Catholic Church, have been quick to express support for the Scottish Government’s position, which is that the status quo should be maintained and the law should be – for now, at least – kept the same on both sides of the Border.
But in doing so, are they missing an opportunity by suggesting the current law is the best we can do? Setting aside the contentious issue of time limits – which many are determined to review in light of developments in medical science – there is another question.
Should abortion only be permitted, as under current UK law, where "there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped" or if it is “necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman”?
Some may argue that, in practice, abortion “on demand” is available due to a broad interpretation of what constitutes “grave permanent injury”, but it is worth recognising that the law does not enshrine any such right.
Perhaps, after a respectfully conducted, full debate, we would decide that the best abortion law for Scotland is exactly the same as the one we’ve got. But it’s a debate we shouldn’t be afraid to have.
MSPs set out their stalls on opposite sides as devolution of abortion law moves closer
Letters to The National, October 20: A better country is one that explores a diversity of beliefs
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