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.”
- The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
- For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office, Email: media@bcos.org.uk