divided views

Launch of assisted suicide bill

Published:

THE debate about assisted suicide polarises opinions as much as ever, but it is a debate which must take place as pressure grows for changes in the law. Margo MacDonald’s bill is a new milestone in Scotland, which will go some way towards achieving greater understanding. Recent polls have shown a majority of people in favour of assisted suicide laws being introduced, but doctors, on whom the procedure would rely so heavily, are divided.

Most of the medical bodies, alarmed at the heavy responsibility which could be thrust on them, prefer to sing the praises of improved palliative care, which makes the final days of many patients more bearable. But there are also many patients for whom their condition has made life intolerable and robbed them of any remaining dignity. Pitfalls in possible legislation have to be considered. The state of mind of the patient and the awful possibility of undue pressure being exerted by some relatives are two obvious concerns.

In England, the legal authorities have issued advice to people considering assisted suicide; in Scotland, there is none, so it is a debate worth having, to enable people on both sides of the divide to achieve a better understanding of each other’s opinions.