Assisted Suicide Expert To Speak In Scotland

A leading expert from the United States will address a Scottish audience in November to share her knowledge and expertise about how to effectively implement a law to allow patients with terminal or life shortening conditions to have a dignified death at a time of their choosing whilst also protecting vulnerable groups.

Dr. Peg Sandeen, Executive Director of Death with Dignity National Centre, will speak at the free event in the Mitchell Library in Glasgow on Saturday 21 November which has been organised by campaign group Friends At The End (FATE). 

The Death with Dignity National Centre, based in Oregon in the United States, exists to promote Death with Dignity laws based on the model legislation, the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, both to provide an option for dying individuals and to stimulate nationwide improvements in end-of-life care.

During her speech, Dr. Sandeen will outline in detail her experience in the US State of Oregon which has had a Dignity in Dying law in effect for over 15 years after it was approved in a state-wide referendum. 

Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Sandeen said: “We know from our experience in Oregon, as well as other states in the US that Dignity in Dying laws are not only overwhelmingly popular with citizens, but can prompt improvements in other aspects of palliative and end-of-life care.  Where implemented effectively, these laws open up a civic conversation about one of the last taboo conversations, the issues around our own deaths.”

“Of course it is important to ensure that such laws also protect vulnerable groups but the data we have gathered in Oregon show clearly how this can be achieved.  I hope to be able to share information and answer questions from people in Scotland as they shape their own end-of-life care legislation.”

Dr. Bob Scott, spokesperson for FATE said: “We are delighted that someone with the knowledge and experience of Dr. Sandeen has agreed to speak in Scotland.  Although the most recent attempt at legislation on a dignified death in Scotland recently failed at Holyrood, the support amongst MSPs has doubled and, with strong and growing public support it is clear that this issue is not going to go away.”

“I would urge anyone who is interested in this topic to come along to the event and hear what Dr. Sandeen has to say and to ask questions.  Only by shining a light on end-of-life issues through open dialogue can we truly hope to make any true progress.”