Is Scotland ready for legislation which would allow assistance at the end of life?

On 22 September 2021, Liam McArthur MSP lodged a Bill proposal with the Scottish Parliament to enable mentally competent adults who are terminally ill to be provided with assistance to end their life at their request. The proposal was accompanied by a consultation document which invited views from members of the public.

Over 14,000 individuals and organisations responded to the consultation – the largest ever public response for a Member’s Bill since the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999.

This Bill has now received the requisite MSP support for which will allow it to make its way though the scrutiny processes of the Scottish Parliament. When so many other jurisdictions have now passed similar legislation should the question perhaps focus upon why Scotland has not followed a similar path?  

This presentation will look at the discussions which have accompanied debates in other jurisdictions and consider  previous proposals put before our Parliament in Scotland. 

Speaker: Prof. Alison Britton

Alison is Professor of Healthcare and Medical Law at Glasgow Caledonian University. 

She  specialises in public healthcare, clinical negligence and professional ethics. In recent years, her interests have focused upon the practical application and the role of law in matters of public health and policy development.  

During her career, she has been involved in consultancy work for a diverse range of organisations including the World Health Organisation, the Department of Health (England and Wales),  British Medical Association, General Medical Council  and the Scottish Government. She has delivered presentations nationally, internationally and provided training for health care organisations.