A landmark proposal to legalise assisted dying in Scotland could have “unintended and harmful consequences for people with disabilities”, a campaign group has warned.
Disability Labour said it could not support the legislation “in its current form” despite a slim majority of its members expressing support for it in an internal poll.
The group, which provides a platform for disabled members of Keir Starmer’s party, said the closeness of the vote reflected “the complex and deeply personal nature of this issue“.
Liam McArthur, a Lib Dem MSP, has brought forward a member’s Bill at Holyrood which would allow adults living in Scotland who are suffering from a terminal illness to seek help to end their life.
It is the third time the Scottish Parliament has considered a bid to legalise assisted dying – with two previous attempts to change the law rejected by MSPs.
In a statement to its members seen by the Record, Disability Labour said: “We understand and respect the desire for individuals to have autonomy and choice at the end of their lives. Many of our members support the legislation as a compassionate option for those suffering unbearably with no hope of recovery.
“At such a difficult time, having the ability to choose where, when, and with whom they pass away — without fear of remaining in a painful limbo or facing prosecution for assistance — provides crucial dignity and freedom.
“This choice allows friends, families, and individuals to prepare for the inevitable death, rather than leaving behind the painful “what ifs” often associated with suicide.
“However, a significant portion of our members express serious concerns about the potential risks and implications of such legislation. We are worried that the current proposals may not include sufficient safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from coercion or undue pressure.
“Furthermore, there is apprehension that the criteria for eligibility could expand over time, as has been observed in other countries, potentially leading to unintended and harmful consequences for people with disabilities.”
McArthur said: “I am disappointed to hear that Disability Labour are opposing my proposals despite their members voting in favour. Public polling is clear that Scots both with and without a disability are overwhelmingly in favour of a change in the law to allow terminally ill people the choice of an assisted death.
“The public consultation on my assisted dying bill, elicited a record 14,038 responses with more than three quarters of respondents expressing full support.
“I am confident that my proposals provide a positive opportunity to deliver much needed reform for dying people. They put in place the vital compassion and safety measures the current law lacks and would allow Scots access to the choice of an assisted death only if they have an advanced, progressive terminal illness and the mental capacity to make the decision.
“This is much safer than the situation we have now which can result in people facing a bad death having to travel to Switzerland if they can afford it, stopping eating and drinking, taking matters into their own hands or suffering needlessly.
“I will continue to engage with charities, organisations and my fellow MSPs as we move towards the crucial parliamentary vote.”
McArthur’s Bill sets out plans to give people over the age of 16 with an advanced terminal illness the option of requesting an assisted death.
They would have to have the mental capacity to make such a request, which would have to be made voluntarily without them being coerced.
Two doctors would have to be satisfied of the patient’s condition, and also that they have not been pressurised into their decision.
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