Tensions ran high at the Scottish Parliament in an emotionally charged debate that lasted for four hours on March 17.
The subject up for debate? Whether or not to legalize “Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults,” also known as euthanasia or assisted suicide.
With tears in their eyes, members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) gave passionate pleas both for and against the legislation.
But when at last it came to a vote, the bill was defeated by 69 votes to 57, a victory for the dignity of human life in Scotland.
Disability advocates celebrate the decision
The word that came up again and again in the debate was “coercion.” Opponents of the bill fear the effect that such legislation could have on disabled people, who may be pressured to end their lives instead of receiving the care they need.
Already, other nations such as Canada that have legalized euthanasia have seen reports of people being pressured to end their lives. Economic pressure sometimes plays a role, some Canadians consider assisted suicide due to poverty, lack of disability supports, or housing insecurity. There is real concern about systemic pressures on vulnerable individuals, to the point that many now see Canada as a “cautionary tale.”
The topic is deeply personal for Independent MSP Jeremy Balfour, who was born with no left arm and a right arm that ends at the elbow. He said disabled people were “terrified” of assisted dying legislation and warned the bill would open “a Pandora's box” with “no meaningful protection” against coercion.
He asked his fellow MSPs to imagine hearing the words: “I would rather die than live like you.” Balfour added, “I’m begging you to consider the consequences for the most vulnerable.”
Another MSP, Pam Duncan-Glancy, who uses a wheelchair, was also a vocal critic of the bill. She appeared at a protest against the bill, surrounded by people holding signs with messages like “Choice for a few means coercion for many,” “Care not killing,” “First do no harm,” “Don’t open the door to assisted suicide,” and “Palliative care for all in need.”
Another major concern besides coercion is the bill's lack of conscience protections for medical professionals. The bill did not allow protections for medics who did not want to participate in assisted dying, which would prove problematic for many Scots. MSP Ruth Maguire said:
Institutions cannot make a choice to opt out of this if it passes, meaning that some valued hospices and care homes will close at a time when we really need them. And as it stands, the bill in front of us, doctors do not have a choice when it comes to opting out. It is a fact that these protections have been stripped out of the bill. And there are no guarantees what that will look like.
Caring for the vulnerable at the end of life means rejecting euthanasia, and instead expanding access to palliative care and assistance for those living with disabilities or terminal illnesses.
Scotland's decision is a victory for all who value the dignity of human life.
