Monday May 26th 2025
Christine Grahame MSP writes her monthly column for Midlothian View
You will probably have been hearing recently about the End of Life (Scotland) Assistance Bill, not a Scottish Government bill but from an individual MSP, this time Lib Dem Liam Mcarthur.
The first bill like this was brought by my late friend and colleague Margo Macdonald. Much has been said for and against but just as I did many years ago, I have voted in principle for this and before I go further there are three things to add.
This is in principle and there are two more “stages” of the bill before it could become law. The second is that each individual MSP is free to vote with their conscience meaning that MSPs are voting different ways across the political parties. The third and more important is that I fully respect people who are completely opposed. It may be on religious grounds, or fear for example that this would threaten the lives of the vulnerable, the disabled, the elderly.
What I would ask, because this is such an important matter, that if you can, check what is actually being said in Parliament and if you want, check out the details of the Bill itself, and especially a document called the “Policy Memorandum”.
It is not the case that anyone can opt to bring an end to their life. There are many conditions and safeguards.
Most significant is that firstly you must have a terminal illness. Disability itself is not a terminal illness. Age, indeed, life itself is terminal but not an “illness” such as say cancer and that of itself is not always “terminal”.
You have to have medical certification and also that you know what you are doing. This test is already applied if you give Power of Attorney to someone. You sign a declaration and that can be withdrawn at any time.
Indeed, Margo did not need (even if it had been available) End of Life Assistance in that form. It was the assistance of the Macmillan nurses. It is not an either or. We need better palliative care. It should only be an option if an individual so chooses.
But as I said at the beginning, my support is to the principle. The bill will undoubtedly change until its third stage and it’s then I will finally decide for or against as will the entire Parliament.
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