The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲

New figures from Public Health Scotland show that 18,783 abortions were recorded in Scotland in 2025, the highest number on record, with repeat abortions, disability-selective abortions and later abortions all increasing in recent years.

The latest statistics show that abortion numbers in Scotland have risen by 54.78% since 2016, increasing from 12,135 to 18,783. Over the same period, the abortion rate rose from 11.9 to 17.6 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44. The figures also show that repeat abortions reached 7,927 in 2025, accounting for 42.2% of all abortions.

Particular concern will be felt at the increase in disability-selective abortions and abortions taking place at a later stage of pregnancy. In 2025 there were 277 disability-selective abortions, a rise of 61.05% since 2018, while abortions carried out between 18 and 20 weeks’ gestation rose to 138, an increase of 50% over the same period. These figures underline the urgent need for a more compassionate response to women facing difficult pregnancies and for greater protection of unborn children.

Responding to the latest statistics, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said:

“Behind every figure is a unique human life, created with inherent dignity, and a mother who may be facing fear, isolation or hardship. These numbers should prompt not resignation, but a renewed determination to build a society where every life is welcomed and protected.

“The Church does not underestimate the real challenges that can accompany a crisis or unexpected pregnancy. Women deserve practical, emotional and financial support, not a culture that too often presents abortion as the only solution.

“We call on the Scottish Government and all MSPs to develop a culture and legal framework that expands support rather than abortion, one in which unborn children, including disabled children, are cherished, and in which no woman feels abandoned. Scotland should aspire to be a nation where compassion means standing with both mother and child, and where the dignity of every human life is defended from conception to natural death.”

Gospel
Mark 10:46-52
‘Rabbi, let me recover my sight.’

At that time: As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ And Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.’ And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ And the blind man said to him, ‘Rabbi, let me recover my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Augustine of Canterbury | 27 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

The first day of the Motherwell Diocese Mini Vinnies pilgrimage to Carfin Grotto has taken place, as young people from schools across the diocese gathered together in prayer, faith and friendship. 🙏

Over the coming weeks, more than 1,000 young people will take part in the annual pilgrimage, representing 57 Mini Vinnies groups from across the diocese. It continues to be inspiring to see so many children living out the values of faith, kindness and service in their schools and communities.

Please continue to keep all the young people, teachers and volunteers in your prayers during these special pilgrimage days.

Holy Mass of the Memorial of Saint Philip Neri | 26 May 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356