Bob Scott, spokesperson for My Life, My Choice, My Death, writes in favour of the assisted suicide (Scotland) bill
In the near future MSPs will decide if the assisted suicide (Scotland) bill should pass into law. Both in and out of Holyrood the debate is warming up and theoretical concerns about how such a change risks being abused are often raised by those who are against individuals being given any choice in this matter.
Fortunately, we can look elsewhere for guidance as to what actually happens in practice. Two firm conclusions can be drawn from those parts of the world which already have assisted dying legislation.
The first is the observation that those regions, now including Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Montana, Washington, Vermont, Oregon and Quebec cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be regarded as primitive or barbaric.
Despite the morbid predictions of the doomsayers, the collapse of civilisation and a descent into anarchy has not come about following a change in the law.
The second point is that, in light of experience, not one has seen fit to repeal the legislation. Following the introduction of such laws, a massacre of the vulnerable has not occurred, while choice has been extended to the few who are in dire need of it.
There is a need to recognise that such action can be appropriate even if, and here comes the tricky bit, that conclusion runs contrary to our personal value
Our natural response to the very word suicide is to recoil, for we are conditioned to regard it as a terrible mistake and a tragedy, and rightly so. When it comes about as a consequence of mental illness or overwhelming emotional turmoil, how could that not be?
It is the few remaining cases which challenge our understanding; those carried out by sane individuals who have calmly decided to end their lives because of incurable illness and unbearable suffering.
The intuitive response to that behaviour is to lump them in with the others. That conflation should be resisted, for not all suicides are the same. Although it cuts right across the grain of our conditioning, some may be justifiable.
There is a need to recognise that such action can be appropriate even if, and here comes the tricky bit, that conclusion runs contrary to our personal values.
Showing tolerance towards the measured conduct of others, of which we do not approve, is the hallmark of a civilised people. We should not deny suffering individuals the opportunity of making that choice.
It is to be hoped that our legislators will recognise that and vote for the bill.
Should you wish to learn about the Bill, look at our video on Youtube and website. This will also allow you to directly contact your MSPs and let them know what you think. If you agree that this is the time for change tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter. This is your opportunity to help make things better.
