As the Scottish Parliament prepares for a crucial vote, the debate over assisted suicide intensifies. Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, is appealing to legislators to protect the vulnerable by opposing the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.
The upcoming decision on Liam McArthur’s bill presents MSPs with a stark “binary choice,” according to Bishop Keenan. The choice lies between granting “new autonomy for some” or safeguarding the many “fearful” citizens across Scotland.
The proposed legislation, which is set for a final vote on Tuesday, seeks to allow terminally ill adults in Scotland to pursue assisted suicide. Notably, it differs from the measures under discussion in England and Wales, as it relies on the clinical judgment of two doctors rather than a specified six-month prognosis. Eligibility also requires residency in Scotland for at least one year.
Bishop Keenan warns that endorsing the bill could “change healthcare forever” in the country. He emphasized the moral gravity of the decision, stating, “The Scottish Parliament stands at a moment of profound moral consequence.”
He voiced concerns over the potential threat to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled individuals, those with mental health challenges, and domestic abuse victims. Bishop Keenan expressed disappointment over the lack of certain safeguards in the bill, such as a provision preventing doctors from suggesting assisted suicide to patients unprompted, which he claims undermines the Hippocratic tradition of “first do no harm.”
Additionally, the absence of “crucial conscientious objection clauses” has drawn criticism, as they would have shielded healthcare professionals from participating against their will. This omission has led prominent organizations, like the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Scotland, to oppose the bill after withdrawing their previous neutrality.
The Catholic Church is particularly concerned about the lack of provisions allowing institutions to opt out, potentially forcing Catholic hospices and care homes to participate in assisted suicides or face closure. Bishop Keenan described the potential closure of such facilities as “a hammer blow to an already creaking palliative care system.”
The bishop advocates for “true compassion,” which he believes is found in providing comprehensive care that affirms every individual’s worth, rather than in facilitating death. “Every person – regardless of age, illness, disability, or circumstance – is a gift from God,” he stated.
Christian charity CARE for Scotland shares these concerns, labeling the bill as “dangerous, divisive, and damaging.” The organization urges MSPs to reject the legislation and focus on enhancing palliative care services. Michael Veitch, CARE for Scotland’s Policy Officer, stated, “There is no doubt that assisted suicide will harm the most vulnerable across Scotland.”
Veitch emphasized Scotland’s historical commitment to compassion and care, arguing that assisted suicide contradicts this legacy. He urged legislators to consider the voices of those who might be most affected by the bill, particularly individuals living with disabilities, who may feel burdensome if it passes.
“I urge MSPs to shut the door on assisted suicide and focus efforts and energy on improving access to palliative care across Scotland,” Veitch concluded.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
