Scotland should be "caring for people, not killing them" Catholic Church urges MSPs

Source: SCMO

Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney, has lodge a final proposal in the Scottish Parliament for his Members Bill which would enable assisted dying in Scotland if passed.

Responding to Liam McArthur's Bill: 'Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland)' , Anthony Horan, Director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office said: "Liam McArthur's final proposal for a bill on assisted suicide is frankly dangerous. It risks undermining the provision of palliative care and undermining efforts to prevent suicide it will make the most vulnerable people, including the elderly and disabled, feel like a burden and its safeguards will prove futile. The current law is the safeguard. We should be caring for people, not killing them."

Mr Horan added: "It is understandable that most people responding to the consultation supported the idea of a dignified death - we all do, but killing someone who is ill, is never dignified.

The fact that a letter signed by 175 health care professionals from a variety of specialities has already outlined numerous concerns, highlights how dangerous this proposal is.

The Catholic church would urge Scottish politicians to learn of the dangers that have already been seen abroad, particularly intolerable pressure on the vulnerable, disabled or elderly to end their lives prematurely."