What the Churches Say: The Church of Scotland

• it risks the life or serious health of the mother, either physical or mental
• a case of rape or incest has been proven
• or where it is known the foetus is damaged or deformed.

The church recognises the dilemma abortion presents to doctors who have taken the Hippocratic Oath - i.e. the vow to save life at all costs, when they are faced with the conflict of whether to relieve the suffering of the mother or save the life of the unborn child. Some would say the sanctity of life is absolute. The church urges the provision of counselling both before and after any abortion occurs - to both patient and medics. The church recognises its responsibility in providing care and support for both those who go through with a termination and those who decide to have the child and rear it in sometimes difficult circumstances.

CONTRACEPTION

The church views the use of contraception in marriage as part of a Christian's response to the needs of the family and the growing world population. They warn against the liberal use of contraceptives to young and unmarried people, preferring to promote marriage as the only acceptable place for both sexual intercourse and the having of children. The 'after-pill' is seen to raise the question of abortion.