MSPs to vote on assisted dying bill
LEGISLATION to introduce assisted dying for terminally ill people in Scotland has been published at Holyrood - with the MSP behind it insisting there is “compelling evidence” to support the move.
Liam McArthur said he is “confident” the Scottish Parliament will back his legislation when it comes before it for a vote, adding “robust safeguards” are included in the Bill.
A consultation by Mr McArthur ahead of publication of his Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill found 76% of the 14,038 people who took part fully support such a change, with another 2% partially supporting it.
Opponents of the legislation have said they fear it would see the lives of people who are ill or disabled being “devalued”, with the Bishop of Paisley John Keenan branding it is a “dangerous idea”.
With Holyrood likely to vote on the proposals later this year, it will be the third time MSPs have considered the issue - with two previous attempts to change the law overwhelmingly defeated.
Liberal Democrat Mr McArthur said “I’m confident Parliament will back my proposals to give terminally ill adults the choice.”
His Bill sets out plans to give over-16s with an advanced terminal illness the option of requesting an assisted death. They would have to have the mental capacity to make such a request, which would have to be made voluntarily.
Two doctors would have to be satisfied of the patient’s condition, and also that they have not been pressurised.
Only people who have lived in Scotland for at least a year would be allowed to make such a request. The Bill also sets out a mandatory 14-day “reflection” period between a qualifying patient making a request and being given the necessary medication.
At this point, a medical professional would make a final check on the patient’s capacity.
Mr McArthur said: “This Bill contains robust safeguards, similar to those which have been safely and successfully introduced in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States, where they continue to enjoy strong public support.
“Polling has consistently shown overwhelming public support for assisted dying, and now I believe that politicians are catching up with where the public has been for some time.”