‘Compelling evidence to make assisted dying legal’
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 MSPs will “want to look closely at the detail and consider the compelling evidence supporting a change in the law”, but he added: “I’m confident Parliament will back my proposals to give terminally ill adults the choice they need.”
His Bill sets out plans to give people over the age of 16 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 without them being coerced.
Two doctors would have to be satisfied of the patient’s condition and also that they have not been pressurised into their decision.
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.
“Our current laws on assisted dying are failing too many terminally ill Scots at the end of life.
“Too often, and despite the best efforts of palliative care, dying people are facing traumatic deaths that harm both them and those they leave behind.
“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.”
Some elements of the Bill, such as the regulation of medication used to end the lives of those who request it, may require consent from Westminster as they touch on reserved areas of the law.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, Mr McArthur said there have been “constructive” conversations with the Scotland Office on this and he has been encouraged by comments from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer about votes on assisted dying.
He said: “There are similar Bills being taken forward in Jersey and the Isle of Man at the moment; we may not be the first to pass legislation.
“But in a sense it’s not a race. I understand the urgency – particularly for those with a terminal illness, this change in the law cannot come soon enough.
“Each legislature will need to properly scrutinise the detail of the legislation to make sure they get the details right.”