Abortions for Down’s Syndrome are on the rise in Scotland, statistics released by Public Health Scotland show.
Last week, it was revealed that abortions in Scotland rose by nearly a fifth (19%) between 2021 and 2022, when there were 16,584 abortions in total – a “disastrous” death toll, said SPUC.
In 2022, chromosomal conditions were listed 112 times as a reason for abortion in Scotland, including Down’s Syndrome and Edwards’ Syndrome. Nervous system conditions such as spina bifida were listed 54 times.
Such abortions are classified under Ground E, the second most common Statutory Ground, citing a substantial risk that the child born would suffer from physical or mental conditions.
While the rate of Ground E abortions has been relatively minor and constant in recent years – representing 1.6% of abortions in Scotland in 2022 – the listing of Down’s Syndrome as a reason to abort is at a five-year high at 59.
UK law currently allows babies with Down’s Syndrome to be aborted up to birth. Campaigner Heidi Crowter is challenging the law.
“I am very upset that babies with Down’s Syndrome can be aborted up to birth. This tells me that I am not valued and of much less value than a person without Down’s Syndrome”, she stated after losing her case at the UK Court of Appeal last November.
Heidi is now set to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Mothers pressured to abort by doctors
SPUC has related numerous instances of mothers who felt pressured to abort a child following a Down’s Syndrome diagnosis.
One mum, Emma Mellor, said she was offered abortion 15 times: “Even though we made it really clear that it wasn’t an option for us… they really seemed to push and really seemed to want us to terminate [have the abortion].”
Máire Lea-Wilson was offered abortion three times for her unborn baby diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome.
She said: “During this time of great vulnerability, I was told that my child would not be able to live independently… Within the context of this fear, vulnerability, and biased information, I was offered an abortion three times…
“Aidan is now 16 months old… He is a joy, and I am so incredibly proud of him. I would not change a single thing about him.”
A gift, not a problem
SPUC’s Michael Robinson, Executive Director (Public Affairs and Legal Services), said: “While all abortion is inherently wrong and discriminating, the targeting of the disabled, especially babies with Down’s Syndrome, is especially pronounced and scandalous.
“No society claiming to uphold equality should stand for this blatant wrong that treats disabled people as lesser human beings not worthy of life.
“Parents increasingly face pressure from doctors to abort babies with fetal conditions. Rather than receiving support, they are undermined by a wave of negativity and societal bigotry against perceived ‘problem’ people, which is only increasing.
“A child with Down’s Syndrome, like any child, is not a problem person but a gift to be cherished. Love, not death, is what children need.”