Assisted Suicide Talks

A formal inquiry into proposals to legalise assisted suicide is to get under at Holyrood.

MSPs on the Health Committee will take evidence shortly, starting with legal and medical professionals.

A vote on the principle of the bill is expected to take place this spring.

The bill was drafted by the late independent MSP Margo MacDonald, Scottish Green Patrick Harvie has agreed to take it forward

Mr Harvie MSP said:

"I'm aware of the strong views on both sides of the debate. There will be complex issues to explore as MSPs examine the detail of the bill, and indeed this has already led to some constructive suggestions for improvements, as well as some clear examples of misunderstanding about the legal issues. People in Scotland are currently being given no clarity over what action might be prosecuted if someone finds their suffering intolerable and seeks help to end their own life.

"Underlying all the issues of detail however is the question of principle. Does a life belong to the person living it? Do we each have the right to make fundamental choices, including how to face a terminal or life-shortening condition which causes unendurable suffering? Or does the state have the moral right to take that control away from people?

"I believe this bill represents the continuation of a long term trend toward respect for the right of people to make choices about their own lives, in an informed and supported way, and to decide what kind of assistance they need. We know that most of the public backs this basic principle, and I have little doubt that in time the law in this area will be changed.

"It remains to be seen whether MSPs are ready to act by passing this particular bill. I certainly hope that they will give it the fair scrutiny that it deserves."