Scotland's First Minister says yesterday's Supreme Court verdict against two Catholic midwives who wanted to play no part in abortions actually protects the rig
Nicola Sturgeon was speaking at First Ministers Questions after judges found in favour of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde which was appealing against a decision of the Court of Session in Edinburgh last year in the case of Mary Doogan and Connie Wood.
The pair had objected to any involvement in the procedure as conscientious objectors but the health board said they should supervise staff involved.
The five justices agreed that conscientious objection is a right only to refuse to take part in activities that directly bring about the termination of a pregnancy.
Ms Sturgeon said: "The ruling yesterday confirms that midwives' right to conscientious objection from taking part in abortions is protected.
"Lady Hale clarified in her opinion that midwives could not be compelled to participate in 'actually performing the tasks involved in the course of treatment'."
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