Abortion Devolution

Humanists attend First Minister’s summit on abortion care

June 27, 2022

Scottish Humanists have reacted to today’s abortion care summit hosted by the First Minister. Humanist Society Scotland chair, Professor Maggie Kinloch attended the summit alongside other campaigners who have called for urgent action to improve abortion care and protection for women from anti-abortion activists.

Maggie Kinloch (left)

Professor Maggie Kinloch said on conclusion of the summit:

We are pleased that the First Minister gave a commitment to take national action on protecting women from harassment rather than rely simply on local authority action.

I also welcome the commitment from the Public Health Minister to take steps to improve second trimester access in Scotland that is currently woefully inadequate.

In addition our research unequivocally shows public backing for restricting protests that deliberately target individual healthcare service users. These protests are often orchestrated by ultra-conservative religious groups who believe a woman’s role in life is simply to be a mother.

Professor Maggie Kinloch, Chair of Humanist Society Scotland

Campaigners have been demanding urgent action to restrict harassment of women attending clinics for healthcare carried out by religious protestors. In January 2021 polling by Humanist Society Scotland showed that 82% of Scots demanded action from the Scottish Government.

Humanist Society Scotland asked for a commitment to introduce protest buffer zones outside as part of their 2021 Scottish Election manifesto sent to all Scottish Parliament candidates.

Latest Related Stories

Fraser Sutherland address a crowd (not visible) from a podium wearing a blue suit and green tweed tie against a purple wall. He has short brown hair and his hands opened as if to clarify a point.

Our CEO interviewed in The National on religious rep education votes

Our CEO interviewed in The National on religious rep education votes
Sunset in the Trossachs. A salmon=pink and blue sky above mountain ranges in the distance and moorland covered in trees and mist in the foreground.

Humanist Society has its say on assisted dying in the media

Humanist Society has its say on assisted dying in the media
An image of Gemma leaning against a concrete waymarker, probably on a mountain walk, on a foggy day. She smiles at the camera, has died auburn hair and a maroon jacket.

Humanist Society interviews: Gemma Clark

Humanist Society interviews: Gemma Clark
An image of Orkney Council offices, a stone building with two stories and a slate roof.

Orkney Council removes voting rights from religious reps on education committee

Orkney Council removes voting rights from religious reps on education committee