The Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer has heard concerns that less scrutiny is being afforded to fresh ‘assisted dying’ legislation than with previous Bills.
In a letter to Alison Johnstone MSP, Better Way spokesman Dr Miro Griffiths notes measures that enhanced consideration of past proposals.
A Bill in 2010 was assigned to a bespoke committee of MSPs. And a 2013 Bill was considered by a committee working alongside an independent ethical advisor.
The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has not sought to appoint an advisor to help it scrutinise Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying Bill.
In addition, a majority of committee MSPs are known to support a change in the law, and one member led a pro-law change Medical Advisory Group.
Dr Griffiths’ letter – which notes concerns raised by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission Scotland – states:
“We note the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Scotland’s observation of a ‘departure from previous models of scrutiny’ at the Scottish Parliament when it comes to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.
“Scrutiny of the last two Bills of this kind at Holyrood was enhanced, in the first instance, by a dedicated new committee of MSPs who had not publicly stated a view on‘assisted dying’. And in the second instance, by the establishment of an independent ethical advisor, Dr Mary Neal, to sit alongside the lead committee.
“Scrutiny of the upcoming Bill will be notably different. The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has not sought to appoint an independent advisor. And a majority of the committee’s members – 6 out of 10 – gave support to Liam McArthur’s initial Bill proposal, indicating clear support for a change in the law.”
The letter continues:
“The Bill being considered is highly contentious and will have profound implications for individuals, institutions, and wider Scottish society should it become law. In our view, it should be afforded at least the same level of scrutiny afforded to previous proposals.
“We’d urge you to investigate these concerns and consider whether any action may be taken to address them before Stage 1 scrutiny commences. In particular, we urge the appointment of a dedicated new committee for scrutiny of Liam McArthur’s Bill.”
ENDS
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Better Way campaign 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.
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