My statement on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.
Thank you to the many hundreds of constituents who have contacted me about Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill – http://www.parliament.scot/…/assisted-dying-for…
Since being elected as your MSP in May 2021, I have exchanged several thousands of messages with you on this topic.
Although I have not found a clear majority in our correspondence either in support or opposed to the Bill, you have never left me in any doubt where you stand. You have shared openly and honestly with me about your deepest fears and most painful losses. These experiences will be on my mind when I cast my vote today.
Like many of you, I support the right of us all to bodily autonomy and informed decision-making about the health and social care we receive, and I believe in the inherent value of life itself.
I know there is untold suffering in the world and, as a socialist, I am committed to working to change the system that I believe creates and perpetuates so much of it.
But, whether through poverty, illness, isolation or any other anguish, I do not believe the premature end of life is the solution to such suffering.
Therefore, I will not be supporting the Bill at Stage 1.
*The stage 1 debate and subsequent vote are scheduled for 2:20-7pm today (Tuesday 13 May). Tickets to the public gallery are now sold out but if you would like to watch online, you can do so on the Scottish Parliament’s webpage here: www.scottishparliament.tv/