The Scottish Parliament is on the cusp of a pivotal decision regarding the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, is strongly advocating for parliamentarians to reject the bill, emphasizing the potential risks to vulnerable citizens.
MSPs are set to vote on the bill, introduced by Liam McArthur, which proposes to legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill adults in Scotland. Notably, the bill diverges from its English and Welsh counterparts by omitting a six-month life expectancy criterion, instead relying on the assessment of two doctors, with residency in Scotland required for a minimum of one year.
Bishop Keenan has voiced substantial concerns, suggesting that the bill could “change healthcare forever” in Scotland. He highlighted the moral gravity of the decision, stating, “This Bill is a serious threat to vulnerable Scots, including the elderly, disabled, those who suffer from poor mental health, and victims of domestic abuse.”
He criticized the lack of safeguards in the bill, such as preventing doctors from suggesting assisted suicide without patient initiation, a move he says undermines the principle of ‘first do no harm’. Additionally, the removal of conscientious objection clauses for healthcare professionals has stirred opposition from several medical bodies, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Scotland.
The absence of an opt-out provision for institutions could force Catholic hospices and care homes to partake in assisted suicides, potentially leading to their closure. Bishop Keenan warned that this would severely impact the palliative care system.
“True compassion is not found in killing but in walking with those who suffer,” he remarked, urging a focus on holistic care that affirms the value of life.
Echoing these sentiments, CARE for Scotland has labeled the bill as “dangerous, divisive and damaging”. Michael Veitch, the organization’s Policy Officer, underscored the detrimental impact on vulnerable groups, stating, “There is no doubt that assisted suicide will harm the most vulnerable across Scotland.”
Veitch emphasized the importance of prioritizing improvements in palliative care, advocating for MSPs to consider the perspectives of those who would be most affected, particularly individuals with disabilities.
As MSPs prepare to cast their votes, the debate remains intense, with significant implications for Scotland’s healthcare and its approach to end-of-life care.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
