Scottish assisted suicide plans a threat to the most marginalised, campaigners say

Plans to legalise doctor-assisted suicide in Scotland would open the door to abuses affecting the most marginalised, campaigners say.

Better Way, a group of academics, disability activists, and expert medics, says the development of assisted suicide and euthanasia legislation in countries like Canada is a warning to the UK.

Dr Miro Griffiths, an expert adviser on disability policy and spokesman for the organisation, told The Telegraph:

“The development of Canada’s euthanasia framework since it was introduced should trouble every politician in the UK who is being asked to back legal assisted suicide. Canada shows that laws of this kind are inherently unsafe and unpredictable."

He added:

“The evidence heard in previous debates about assisted suicide makes it clear that legalising this practice in Scotland would jeopardise the safety, dignity, and equality of many Scots. It remains a regressive and dangerous plan that must be robustly opposed.”

Proposals to allow "assisted dying" in Scotland have been officially lodged at the Scottish Parliament and have the necessary support from MSPs to progress in the current session.

CARE will be opposing the plans, arguing that assisted suicide and euthanasia are immoral, unethical and a threat to vulnerable citizens. You can read more about our work on this issue here:

CARE for Assisted Suicide | CARE