FORMER politician Dennis Canavan, who tragically lost three children to terminal illness, has urged MSPs to oppose assisted suicide proposals currently before the Scottish Parliament.
In a letter to The Herald newspaper today, Mr Canavan drew on his personal experience in warning against a change. He wrote:
“My children undoubtedly underwent some pain but it was minimised by caring health professionals who did everything possible to make their final days as comfortable as possible. As a result, my children died in dignity and I beg to differ from those who assert that the option of assisted suicide is necessary to ensure dignity in death.”
Noting that assisted suicide is different to the withdrawal of care, he added:
“I accept that there are cases where there is justification in not prolonging life but that is quite different from actively assisting someone to commit suicide…I would not have the same respect for medical professionals if they were to become involved in actively assisting people to commit suicide”
He concluded, “the sanctity of human life should surely be recognised by all human beings whatever their theological or philosophical beliefs. I urge my former colleagues in the Scottish Parliament to vote against the proposed bill“.
A full copy of Mr Canavan’s letter is included below. A spokesman for the Better Way campaign, which opposes assisted suicide and euthanasia, commented:
“Dennis Canavan’s heartfelt appeal to his former colleagues at the Scottish Parliament must be heard. He rightly notes the ethical difference between withdrawal of care by doctors and medics actively participating in a patient’s suicide. This is an ethical rubicon we have not crossed because it undermines the duty of physicians to care for, protect and have respect for all human life.
“Me Canavan also notes that the relationship between doctors and members of the public would be undermined by assisted suicide. The bond of trust that exists at present would be eroded. This is a serious point for MSPs to consider. There are many more dangers associated with physician assisted suicide that Parliament will soon address.
“We strongly believe MSPs should reject the current proposals, as they have other legislation in the past. A change in the law would undermine, not improve, the safety, dignity and equality of Scottish citizens”
Letter to The Herald by Dennis Canavan
I AGREE with the comments by Doctors Macdonald and Mckernan in their opposition to the proposed Assisted Dying Bill (Letters, January 11).
I have probably had more than my fair share of deaths in my family, having suffered the loss of three of my dear sons and my only beloved daughter. Three of them died as the result of terminal illness. I had the experience of watching two of them die and I would not wish that on any parent.
However, I must say that, in general, I found the standard of NHS care to be excellent and the standard of palliative care in our local Strathcarron Hospice was first class. My children undoubtedly underwent some pain but it was minimised by caring health professionals who did everything possible to make their final days as comfortable as possible. As a result, my children died in dignity and I beg to differ from those who assert that the option of assisted suicide is necessary to ensure dignity in death.
I accept that there are cases where there is justification in not prolonging life but that is quite different from actively assisting someone to commit suicide. In the case of one of my sons, he spent his last few days on a lifesupport machine but, when it became evident that he was not going to recover, the medical professionals consulted family members and we came to the unanimous decision to switch off the machine. It was a difficult, heart-rending decision but I have no doubt that it was justified.
I would not have the same respect for medical professionals if they were to become involved in actively assisting people to commit suicide. If we believe that the right to life is the most basic human right then it follows that no-one has the right to choose to take human life except in defence of another human life. Similarly no-one has the right to classify some human lives as less valuable than others.
I live in the hope that I shall one day be reunited with my lost children. I respect those who do not share my belief but the sanctity of human life should surely be recognised by all human beings, whatever their theological or philosophical beliefs.
For the above reasons, I urge my former colleagues in the Scottish Parliament to vote against the proposed bill.
Dennis Canavan, Bannockburn.