More than 20,000 people had their say in a consultation on plans to legalise assisted suicide by the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee, it has emerged.
A total of 20,913 individuals and 144 organisations responded to a call for views from Health Committee MSPs who are due to scrutinise the proposed legislation.
Almost three quarters of the 13,820 who submitted shorter responses supported the introduction of assisted suicide for people aged 16+ diagnosed with a terminal illness.
But an analysis of responses by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Spice) showed that 93% of the 7,236 who submitted detailed responses were opposed.
When looking at all the responses received, 10,120 were strongly opposed to the legislation, while 10,380 fully supported it. Better Way’s spokesman Dr Miro Griffiths said:
“The results of this call for views are interesting and we await a fuller analysis from the Scottish Parliament. In our experience, people who say they support ‘assisted dying’ often become more nervous about it, and even change their minds, after thinking more deeply about the risks to vulnerable people and reading troubling reports from countries where the practice is legal.
“We believe that assisted suicide is unethical and unsafe. There is no way to rule out abuses and mistakes, coercion, and people facing pressure to end their lives – either because they feel like a burden, or because loneliness, poverty, inequality, and other factors make them feel like there is no other choice for them. Assisting the suicides of such people should be unthinkable.
“The perfect storm of an ageing population and rising pressure on public services makes an assisted suicide law particularly dangerous. Liam McArthur’s Bill proposal noted the multi-million-dollar cost savings of ‘assisted dying’ in Canada. It was concerning to see this utilitarian thinking at the very beginning of this debate, and it would inevitably rear its head in the future.
“There is a better way for Scotland. This involves affirming and protecting every citizen and ensuring that those living with terminal illnesses have the support they need. Working towards a more accessible, inclusive, and participatory society for disabled people. And bolstering efforts to prevent suicides and improve mental health support. We urge MSPs to choose this path.”
About Better Way
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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