MSPs discussing Assisted Dying in Parliament

Medical support for assisted dying grows

Will Norton

November 29, 2022

Assisted Dying

On Tuesday evening our policy and campaigns officer, Will Norton, and Chair Ian Rodger, attended a Scottish Parliament event in support of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.

Liam McArthur MSP organised the event alongside humanist campaigners and Dignity in Dying Scotland and Friends at the End. He invited a wide array of his fellow MSPs and medical professionals, including members of his medical advisory group. They have been working alongside Mr McArthur to advise on the medical practicalities of the bill.

Dr Sandesh Guilharne MSP added input from the medical advisory group. He released key findings from the group’s report soon to be published.

International experts on assisted dying

The highlight of the evening was Dr Catherine Forrest who travelled to Edinburgh from California to attend the event. She spoke about her own experience in California, in both a professional and personal capacity. The lived experience of people like Dr Forrest is vital in any discussion regarding a topic as emotive as assisted dying. Her professional expertise highlights the personal nature of this campaign and issue.

Attendees heard a plethora of emotional and highly personal stories from guests. The evening was very impactful for all in attendance and showed why we need assisted dying for terminally ill adults now.

Assisted dying is the next great liberal reform that Scotland needs. We will continue to support the Bill as it makes its way through the Scottish Parliament.

How to help our campaign:

If you support legalising assisted dying for terminally ill adults in Scotland please contact your MSP. We know that the majority of Scots are supportive of this issue, make sure that your MSP knows too.