Disability campaigners slam assisted dying bill
Plans to table a bill legalising assisted dying in Scotland is set to be fought by disability campaigners, who say international examples of similar legislation “strikes fear into the hearts” of disabled people.
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Liam Mcarthur is putting forward proposals for a Members’ Bill at Holyrood that, if passed, would permit assisted dying for adults who are both terminally ill and mentally competent.
It is the third attempt for legislation on assisted dying to be brought to Holyrood after it was tabled by the late Margo Macdonald while an independent MSP in 2010, and Patrick Harvie, who took forward the second bill after her death in 2014.
However, politicians such as Scottish Labour’s Pam Duncan-glancy, who is the first permanent wheelchair user in Holyrood, have described the legislation as “dangerous”.
She said the Scottish government should ensure that “living is better for disabled people than death” through improved care, accessible housing, and increased funding from the Scottish government.
Ms Duncan-glancy said: “I would far rather that disabled people have our right to live protected by the law and realised through practical assistance and support to lead an ordinary life, before we consider a right to die.
“Unless and until all things are equal, which we know right now they are not, then this bill is dangerous for disabled people.”
Jamie Szymkowiak, the SNP’S national disabled member’s convenor, said the bill was a “false choice” and called for more to be done to ensure disabled Scots have an “equal life”.