Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur has defended his proposed assisted dying legislation as "a long time coming," pushing back against medical professionals who labeled the Bill unsafe. The Orkney politician argues his Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill would provide compassionate choice for terminally ill Scots.
The Association of Palliative Medicine criticized the proposed legislation, calling it "unsafe, inequitable and unworkable." The rebuke came following McArthur's article in the Sunday Mail outlining his plans.
McArthur emphasized that choice sits at the core of his proposal. "My Bill has choice at its heart: the choice for someone of sound mind with a terminal illness to request an assisted death and the choice for all medical professionals about whether to take part or not," he said. While acknowledging some palliative care professionals would opt out, he stressed many would participate and view assisted dying as essential patient-centered care.
Safeguards and international evidence
The MSP cited international evidence to counter fears about palliative care deterioration. He referenced a House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee report that found no indications assisted dying undermines palliative care. The report suggested such legislation can actually improve end-of-life care in many areas.
McArthur's Bill includes robust protections for all parties involved. Drawing on international models, the proposed legislation aims to ensure terminally ill individuals can exercise the option with comprehensive safeguards.
Legislative progress
Both the Scottish and UK governments have worked constructively on legislative competency issues required for the scheme to operate in Scotland. McArthur expressed confidence about the path forward: "MSPs can be confident that the measures they vote for will be enacted."
The Scottish Government was approached for comment but has not issued a statement.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
