CAMPAIGNERS are calling for assisted dying to be made legal in Scotland after New Zealand voted to approve euthanasia as an option for people with a terminal illness seeking medical assistance to end their lives.
A poll commissioned by Humanist Society Scotland, Dignity in Dying Scotland and Friends at the End (FATE) shows that more than three quarters of Scots (76%) want the Scottish Parliament to debate assisted dying after the Holyrood elections in May next year.
A futher two thirds (66%) wish to see a commitment to introducing assisted dying in the political parties election manifestos.
It comes as preliminary results from New Zealand’s assisted dying referendum, the world’s first nation-wide vote on the topic, show that New Zealanders have voted overwhelmingly (65.2%) in favour of legalising assisted dying.
A second question – “whether the recreational use of cannabis should become legal” – failed to garner the required 50% approval of the public, which would have been the first step in drafting a change in the law.
Fraser Sutherland, chief executive of Humanist Society Scotland, said Scotland should follow New Zealand's lead.
"While other issues may dominate political parties and commentators, assisted dying remains a key priority of the wider population," he said. “The cruel fact remains that individuals are continued to be denied choices at the end of their life in Scotland.
"Yet those rich enough and well enough are able to access such options by travelling abroad at great personal expense. This must change."
Former SNP MSP Margo MacDonald (below) championed measures to make it easier for doctors to help terminally ill people end their life in a dignified manner. Her attempt was defeated in Holyrood in 2010. She died, aged 70, in April 2014. Her bid was taken up in 2015 by Patrick Harvie, the Scottish Greens’ co-convener. But his Assisted Suicide Bill also failed to get through the Scottish Parliament.
Ally Thomson, director of Dignity in Dying Scotland, said Scottish politicians should join other countries in legalising euthanasia.
She added: "As more countries legislate for assisted dying we ask that Scots politicians join them in showing leadership on delivering the rights that our dying citizens so desperately need.
"For dying people and their loved ones throughout the country this is not just an election issue – it is the reality of their lives and deaths and they are looking to the Scottish Parliament to deliver."
SNP activist Josh Aaron-Mennie has submitted a proposal to the SNP’s conference next month to review legislation after he nursed his beloved grandmother through “insufferable pain” at the end of her life.
READ MORE: SNP activist to appeal for assisted dying support
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel