Kirk warns against assisted suicide law

The Church of Scotland has issued a fresh warning against doctor-assisted suicide, as MSPs are set to consider legislation.

Writing for The Scotsman today, Kirk Moderator Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields said a law allowing the practice would fail the most vulnerable citizens, and lead to injustice. He wrote:

"Our opposition is based on our Christian faith and includes concerns around the principle of assisted dying, the application of the law in practice, the perception value of human lives, and also the effect this change is likely to have on the provision of care - especially palliative care.

"The current societal prohibition on killing is clear; to move away from this would not be a simple modification of the law, but would represent a significant shift from which there would be no return. This would have profound effects on how society regards those in our communities who are vulnerable.

"This does not just affect the elderly and infirm, but also those with disabilities, and those who are unable to speak up to protect themselves. Is this really what a caring society in Scotland means?

"In jurisdictions where assisted dying has been allowed, the experience of framing and maintaining safeguards has been fraught with difficulties, and frequently subject to removal or relaxation of restrictions to eligibility."

"We have concerns about the potential effect that this legislation may have on provision of palliative care. We would advocate for more and better palliative care; evidence from other jurisdictions suggests that allowing assisted dying has a negative effect on the importance placed on palliative care."

Rev Greenshields added: "We believe that, were assisted dying to be introduced in Scotland, the relationship between those cared for and those who have the duty to care (including family, health and social care professionals, but also society in general) would be irredeemably altered."

He concluded, "the Church of Scotland, while respecting the sincerity of those promoting change, supports the existing law and protections around the end of life, and is opposed to a change to allow legally assisted suicide, or any other form of assisted dying".

A bill to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland has won enough support to be introduced at the Scottish Parliament and is expected later this year.

CARE will be updating supporters on the progress of this legislation and urging MSPs to vote it down. Find out more about our stance on assisted suicide here: CARE for Assisted Suicide | CARE