Politicians set to debate Assisted Dying Bill
Terminally-ill patients could be allowed to choose to die, if the Scottish parliament passes a bill on the issue.
Politicians will debate the matter in Holyrood tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon, with MSPs given the freedom to vote how they want.
This comes three months after a healthcare professional spoke to The Shetland Times as 25 medical experts gave evidence against the Assisted Dying Bill.
Consultant general surgeon Stuart Fergusson and 24 of his colleagues said they were “deeply concerned” about plans to legalise suicide for terminally-ill patients.
“It’s an appalling shift in my professional role that one of my statutory duties would be helping people kill themselves,” he told this newspaper.
This Bill was brought forward by Orkney MSP Liam McArthur, while earlier this year a bill by MP Kim Leadbeater cleared its first hurdles at Westminster.
Back in February, The Shetland Times conducted a poll on the issue, with 58 per cent said they were against introducing assisted dying.
Pick up Friday’s edition of The Shetland Times for reaction to tomorrow’s debate.
Steven Jarmson
In Canada they promised not to extend state sanctioned murder to anything other than terminally ill, now “depressed” 16yr olds can opt for it.
DR I M TINKLER
Is that before or after the pink pigs fly past the window?
DR I M TINKLER
In Canada, a 16-year-old cannot legally access euthanasia (also known as medical aid in dying). Canada’s law does not permit minors to request or receive euthanasia. I hate disinformation and dishonesty.
Ali Inkster
This Bill is not so you can end your own life easily it is so they can end your life cheaply.
DR I M TINKLER
I thought it was to give one the choice to avoid the horrors of a slow, lingering death.