This case involved an appeal by the health board against a decision of the Scottish Court of Session that conscientious objection of two practicing Roman Catholic senior midwives to taking part in abortions (permissible under GB legislation) included all processes, including administrative tasks, such as sending out letters, booking in patients, setting staff rotas, supporting staff etc. 

In the opinion of the Court of Session:

"It is consistent with the reasoning which allowed such an objection in the first place that it should extend to any involvement in the process of treatment, the object of which is to terminate a pregnancy." This meant the employees could refuse to carry out the administrative tasks. The Board appealed. 

Allowing the Board's