Scottish health secretary 'pro-choice' on abortions despite being Catholic - but remains opposed to assisted dying

Michael Matheson says he would not let his personal views apply to his politics when quizzed on abortions

Health secretary Michael Matheson has said he is “pro-choice” when it comes to abortions, despite being a practising Roman Catholic.

However, he said he would not vote in favour of legalising assisted dying, saying this is not society’s responsibility.

Mr Matheson was being interviewed by journalists during a visit with First Minister Humza Yousaf to The Thistle Foundation in Edinburgh’s Craigmillar on Wednesday.

Scottish Health Secretary, Michael Matheson (Image from Michael Matheson MSP//Facebook)

The aim of the visit was to give the First Minister and the health secretary the opportunity to reflect and expand on their Programme for Government, which was unveiled on Tuesday.

Mr Matheson’s comments come after Mr Yousaf said the Scottish Government would support Green MSP Gillian Mackay’s Bill to introduce safe access zones around abortion clinics.

In his Programme for Government, Mr Yousaf said: “It simply cannot be right that women feel in any way impeded in accessing healthcare.”

The health secretary was asked if he was “pro-life” or “pro-choice” when it comes to abortions. He said: “I have my own moral views, but I am pro-choice for individuals in making decisions for themselves.

“I am Roman Catholic, I have a Roman Catholic background with its social teachings, but my own personal views don’t apply to my politics. It would be a matter of conscience in a vote, and I would be pro-choice.”

However, not letting his personal views impact on his politics does not extend to calls to legalise assisted dying.

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur has a Bill going through Parliament looking to legalise assisted dying in Scotland for those who have a terminal diagnosis, but are still mentally competent.

Mr Matheson was asked by journalists if he agrees with assisted dying in Scotland. The Falkirk West MSP said: “No, I don’t.

“I’ve opposed this previously and it’s an issue I have raised as a matter of personal conscience and something I continue to oppose. I don’t believe it is society’s responsibility to make those decisions.

“That is something I have made clear and something I oppose for personal reasons.”