Scotland to debate "assisted dying" bill.

Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Scotland Parliament

Liam McArthur MSP for Orkney Scotland has introduced a private members bill to legalize assisted suicide in Scotland.

This is the third time that Scotland will debate the issue. The last assisted suicide bill was defeated in May 2015 by a vote of 82 to 36. The Care Not Killing Alliance is urging Scotland's MSP's to reject the bill and focus on improving end-of-life care in Scotland.

Pam Duncan Glancy Labour MSP

Andrew Learmonth reported for Holyrood.com news that:

Labour's Pam Duncan Glancy has warned that plans to bring in assisted dying in Scotland would be “dangerous for disabled people.”

Learmouth reported that Duncan Glancy MSP from Glasgow tweeted the following:

“I am deeply worried about this. Disabled people do not yet enjoy our right to live equally. I’d far rather we had a right to live enshrined in law, long before we have a right to die. Until all things are equal, this is dangerous for disabled people.”

According to Learmonth:

His bill will go out to consultation in the autumn and will come to a vote in the chamber next year. It will need the support of 65 MSPs to pass. Last time it was rejected by 82 votes to 36.

Link to more articles on this topic:

• We treat all lives as equal. With assisted suicide we don't (Link).
• Assisted suicide bill defeated in Scotland by an 82 to 36 vote (Link).