Assisted dying Bill unveiled in Scotland

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 per cent of the 14,038 people who took part fully support such a change, with another two per cent 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.”

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.

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.