Professor Jack Scarisbrick RIP

Professor Jack Scarisbrick MBE

Professor Jack Scarisbrick MBE died on Saturday, 28 February at the age of 97.

After announcing the sad news, Lord Alton wrote: "I count it one of the great privileges of my life to have known Jack - a brilliant historian, his powerful intellect and profound compassion were underpinned by remarkable energy and drive.

"In charting a path to create a coherent and effective pro life movement - based on an insistence that the lives of a woman and her child both mattered - he redefined and reshaped the arguments around what Jack called "the supreme human rights question." He was a colossus of the pro life movement.

"In 1987, when I drew a high place in the House of Commons ballot for Private Members' Bills, Jack came to see me. I was Liberal Chief Whip at the time and, when we discussed the various Bills which I might introduce, he correctly observed that, even though it was then a "conscience" issue, I would pay a high political price, if I decided to tackle the 28 week upper time limit for late abortions: 'it will be a hard row to hoe' he said. But he also promised his total support should I choose to go ahead with a Bill.

The work undertaken by Jack and his wonderful wife Nuala, along with Phyllis Bowman and many others, secured the support of 296 MPs in the Division Lobbies and although it was talked out by opponents the Bill never lost a vote at any stage.

Jack knew that we had to move beyond the description of being "anti abortion." We had to be pro life - for the woman and her child. He knew that MPs could only challenge laws ending the life of the child in the womb if we were equally committed to providing practical help for vulnerable women - many of whom were pressurised by society or by men into taking the life of their child. We both regarded every abortion as a defeat and knew there had to be radical alternatives in place.

To give effect to those beliefs Jack and Nuala had in 1970 founded the charity, LIFE - of which I had later readily agreed to become a Patron.

Since its formation, 50 years ago, more than 12,000 vulnerable mothers have been housed through its services. Life's helpline supports thousands more-around 5,000 women each year-with skilled listening and counselling, delivered in accordance with the highest professional standards

Life currently operates 19 supported houses across the UK, accommodating around 180 vulnerable women each year.
Women who are often between 16 and 25. Women who may have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, disrupted education, broken relationships, or time in care. Women standing at what can feel like a precipice. In those houses, there is more than a roof. There is trauma-informed, strengths-based support.

Behind these number are thousands of children given a safer start, and thousands of stories rewritten with hope. These are often the first small step that opens the door to something life-changing.

In 2026, the pressures facing vulnerable women now are complex and often intensified - the cost-of-living crisis, rising homelessness, social isolation, digital misinformation, stretched public services, and growing mental health challenges.

While the context has evolved, the core need for dignity, safety, and non-judgmental support remains unchanged.

Life's vision is simple yet profound: a world where no one faces pregnancy, or pregnancy loss, alone.

This was Jack and Nuala Scarisbrick's vision - and they turned it into a reality. His abiding legacy will be the lives saved and his legacy will serve as a challenge and rebuke to laws which have led to eleven million abortions in the UK.

His daughter Emma rightly says "a might oak has fallen" - but Jack's family and friends can draw comfort from the many new shoots and tiny acorns providing evidence of new life.

May Jack now rest in peace and rise in glory.

Writing on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, Archbishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Bishops' Conference, expressed his sadness at the death of Professor Jack Scarisbrick.

"Professor Scarisbrick was one of the foremost campaigners for the life of the unborn following the passing of the 1967 Abortion Act. Jack and his late wife Nuala founded the charity 'Life'. They knew that it was not only necessary to make the case against abortion, but also to provide practical help to women who were finding it difficult to cope with their pregnancies. Jack did both of these things valiantly and with great skill. Nearly 60 years later, Life is still fulfilling this vital role of assisting women who are carrying a baby and need support.

"Professor Scarisbrick was a serious academic whose work was of profound importance. It is remarkable that somebody could make such an impact in so many spheres.

"Today, many young people are following Jack's example of campaigning for human rights for the unborn, as well as helping women who are struggling with pregnancy. Possibly without knowing it, these young people have been strongly influenced by his wonderful work. May he rest in peace."