Experts have told Scotland’s First Minister that ‘assisted dying’ is “unsafe” and “unworkable” as they urge him to oppose legislation before the Scottish Parliament.
In a letter to John Swinney ahead of a decisive vote on Holyrood proposals next month, experts in disability, medicine, domestic abuse and other specialisms warn that a change in the law would have a devastating impact on vulnerable and marginalised Scots.
A vote on Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill will take place on 13 May, with parliament deeply divided on the proposal. Assisted suicide has been strongly opposed at Holyrood in the past.
Vulnerable at risk
The letter sent to Mr Swinney states: “As experts in a range of specialisms, we would urge you to continue to oppose a change in the law, whilst recognising the government’s neutral stance on this issue of conscience.”
It continues: “Failings and abuses under ‘assisted dying’ laws are intrinsically linked to people who already face inequalities of various kinds: lonely elderly people; the disabled people’s community; and people facing poverty.
“The practice also places highly vulnerable citizens at increased risk of harm. [MSPs have] heard that women victims of domestic violence could be coerced into ending their lives. Experts have stated that assisted death could be a ‘lethal weapon’ in the hands of abusers.”
Noting the Scottish state’s commitment to the “safety, dignity, and equality” of citizens, the experts warn that ‘assisted dying’ would “jeopardise this aim”. They add: “By contrast, the current approach to end-of-life and palliative care does not pose a threat to vulnerable Scots.
“Professions engaged in the care of dying people strive to alleviate physical and mental suffering, whilst standing united behind the golden principle that all lives are equally valuable. In a societal context where the state affords the same protections to all people.”
‘A better way forward’
The experts further note that palliative medics are “overwhelmingly opposed to a change in the law”. And they caution that assisted suicide would harm this already overburdened area of healthcare by causing an “exodus” of frontline staff.
The letter also described the expansion of ‘assisted dying’ laws in other jurisdictions including Australia, which is praised by ‘assisted dying’ campaigners: “No matter how well-intended and narrow legislation is, guarantees about its future shape cannot be given”, it adds.
The letter concludes: “With the legislation in focus, there is no room for error or uncertainty. As experts in medicine, disability, sociology, law, and other fields we believe ‘assisted dying’ is inherently unsafe, and practically unworkable.
“We would urge you to protect vulnerable and marginalised Scots and maintain your opposition to this practice. Scotland can articulate a better way forward.”
ENDS
Experts’ letter
Download a copy of the letter: FM-letter-on-AD-Bill_-April-25.pdf
The letter signatories are:
Dr Miro Griffiths MBE, disability studies scholar
Dr Ashley Frawley, sociologist and author
Dr Juliet Spiller, consultant in palliative medicine
Allan House, Emeritus Professor of Liaison Psychiatry
Professor June Andrews OBE, dementia specialist
Dr Mary Neal, expert in law and medical ethics
Dr Anni Donaldson, researcher on domestic violence
Image credit: First Minister hosts Press Conference – 140425 | Flickr
About Better Way
Better Way opposes assisted suicide, sets out an alternative vision, and provides a platform for marginalised voices. The campaign is supported by experts in several fields including medicine, disability advocacy, and sociology. Find out more: Website / Social media
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