Disability groups voice assisted dying bill fears

Aproposed bill on assisted dying poses a “major threat” to disabled people, a number of campaign groups have said in a letter to MSPs.

Scottish Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur proposed the legislation – the third time such a bill has gone before MSPs – which would allow those with an advanced terminal illnesses to make the decision to end their lives.

The bill would allow such a decision to be made if the patient had the mental capacity required, made the request voluntarily and it was approved by two doctors.

A mandatory 14-day reflection period will also be required, if the bill is passed.

But in a letter to MSPs, a number of disability groups urged them to vote against the legislation, claiming there could be a “slippery slope” towards widening the scope of the bill.

“We acknowledge the sincere motives that Mr Liam McArthur MSP, the bill’s sponsor, and his supporters bring to his proposed legislation,” the letter said.

“We also acknowledge that the arguments brought forward by the bill’s supporters seem coherent and logical when applied to a small group of very vulnerable individuals.

“What is not acknowledged is that the bill poses a major threat to a much wider population of people, notably those with long-term conditions and disabilities.

“However much the bill attempts to limit the scope of its application, there are two major reasons why so-called safeguards will not be sustainable in the long term.”

The correspondence was sent from the Better Way Campaign, Disability Equality Scotland; the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living; the Glasgow Disability Alliance; Inclusion Scotland; Our Duty of Care; People First and SelfDirected Support Scotland.

The groups argued that it was difficult for doctors to accurately determine how long a person with a terminal illness had left to live and pointed to examples in other countries of the criteria being widened.

“The fear that AD (assisted dying) as an individual choice will evolve into a societal pressure to make that choice, is real and justified,” the letter added.

“Changes in the type of people seeking AD show that, over time, there is an increase among those who are less well-off and for whom the cost of living actually means the cost of staying alive. The priority for disabled people is to secure the support they need to live independent and full lives like any other citizen.

“Our Parliament ought not to create an environment in which that priority – and the security that goes with it – is prejudiced now, or in the future.”

Mr McArthur said: “Our current laws on assisted dying are failing too many terminally ill Scots at the end of life. I appreciate that some are concerned about a slippery slope, but my bill is extremely clear about the specific and limited circumstances it will give terminally ill adults the choice they need.

“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.

“Indeed where a terminal illness and mental capacity model similar to mine has been introduced there has never been a loosening of the eligibility criteria.

“To be clear, disability itself would not be grounds for accessing assisted under the provisions of my bill. Any individual would have to have an advanced, progressive terminal illness and capacity to access this choice.

“Moreover, polling suggests strong support for assisted dying laws among people with disabilities, at roughly the same level as in the general population.

“As parliament begins its scrutiny, I will continue to engage with charities, organisations and fellow MSPs to understand their perspectives on this important issue and hopefully allay any concerns.”

‘MAJOR THREAT’: Bill sponsor Liam McArthur has tried to allay concerns from disability groups that the scope for assisted dying could be widened.