Health, Social Care and Sport Committee seek views on Assisted Dying Bill

Views are being sought by a Parliament Committee on a Bill which would allow terminally ill adults in Scotland to choose to be given assistance by health professionals to end their lives

The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill would establish a process to enable people in Scotland to legally access assisted dying through self-administered means. The Bill sets out the steps which must be taken in order for someone to end their life.

Only adults who meet the following criteria would be eligible:

• terminally ill;
• aged 16 or over;
• resident in Scotland for at least 12 continuous months;
• registered with a GP in Scotland; and
• have the mental capacity to make the request.

In the Bill, “terminally ill” is defined as a person who has an advanced and progressive disease, illness or condition from which they are unable to recover, and which can reasonably be expected to cause their premature death.

Anyone with a conscientious objection to assisted dying would be able to exempt themselves from the process, while those who did participate would be exempt from criminal or civil liability.

The Bill would make it an offence to coerce or pressure a terminally ill adult into requesting an assisted death.

There have been three previous attempts to legislate on assisted dying in the Scottish Parliament but none has passed Stage 1.

Various countries across the world have legalised a form of assisted dying or suicide including Canada, New Zealand, Belgium, Spain and Switzerland, and American states including Oregon, California and Washington.

Speaking as the call for views was launched, Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said:

“Our Committee understands this is a complex and sensitive issue.

“We will ensure we take the time to scrutinise the details of this Bill carefully and provide an opportunity for all views to be considered.

“Our Committee is keen to hear from individuals and organisations whether or not they agree with the general principles of the Bill, whether they have comments on specific provisions or whether they wish to suggest alternative approaches.

“We welcome all views, including from people affected by terminal illness, their families and carers, campaign groups either for or against the Bill and healthcare professionals.

“Our Committee takes its scrutiny role extremely seriously and is committed to scrutinising this Bill in a transparent, balanced and thorough manner.”

Those responding to the call for views are offered two options:

• A short survey intended for individuals, to provide general views and comments on the Bill, including whether they support or oppose it and the reasons for this.
• Or a detailed call for evidence, intended for stakeholders who wish to provide specific comments on individual provisions in the Bill.

Respond to the consultation

The call for views closes on Friday 16th August.