Support for change to eligibility rules in assisted dying bill from MSP behind it

The Scottish MSP behind the assisted dying bill has shown support for changes that would limit eligibility to those with a life expectancy of six months or less. This amendment aims to address concerns from undecided MSPs ahead of the final vote next month.

The Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) responsible for advancing the assisted dying bill in Scotland has expressed support for modifications that would limit eligibility to terminally ill individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. This proposal is part of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur.

Proposed Changes to the Assisted Dying Bill

Currently, the bill is designed to apply to any terminally ill, mentally competent adult, regardless of their life expectancy. However, McArthur is now backing a change that would align the bill with proposed legislation at Westminster, which limits eligibility to those with six months or less to live. This shift aims to address concerns from undecided MSPs as they prepare to vote on the bill in its final stage. The third-stage ballot is scheduled to take place at Holyrood next month. MSPs approved the bill in principle in May, six months after MPs at Westminster also passed an assisted dying bill for the south of the border. Both bills are still under review in their respective parliaments and need to pass final votes in the coming weeks before they can become law.

Key Developments and Support for the Change

The Scottish bill passed its first stage by a majority vote of 70 to 56. However, the bill’s future remains uncertain, and its success may hinge on whether a small number of MSPs change their stance before the final vote. While McArthur initially opposed the introduction of a six-month prognosis clause during earlier debates, he has since recognized the potential benefits of such a measure. McArthur expressed concerns about the arbitrary nature of a six-month prognosis clause, particularly due to the difficulty in accurately predicting life expectancy. Despite these concerns, he acknowledged that implementing a prognosis period could offer reassurance to certain MSPs and encourage broader support for the bill.

McArthur pointed out that the six-month prognosis model has been effective in places like Australia and parts of the United States, where assisted dying has already been legalized. He also emphasized that introducing such a provision could act as a safeguard without creating unnecessary barriers for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. McArthur stated, "I think this is an amendment that may command support across the parliament and if that gives more reassurance to colleagues ahead of the final vote at stage three then I'm supportive of it."

Opposition and Concerns about the Bill

MSP Daniel Johnson, who voted in favor of the bill during the first stage, is seeking further clarification regarding safeguards before committing his support at stage three. Johnson had previously proposed an amendment to the bill that would introduce a six-month prognosis requirement, and he plans to submit a similar amendment during the third stage. In an interview with BBC Scotland News, Johnson explained that the six-month prognosis would serve as a "yardstick" to ensure that individuals seeking assisted dying are truly in the final stages of their lives. He emphasized that while doctors can never be certain about prognoses, the six-month period would help to establish clearer criteria.

Concerns Over Potential Risks
Johnson expressed concerns that the bill, in its current form, could be too "open-ended." He warned that creating an expectation that assisted dying could be an option for individuals nearing the end of life could be dangerous. "What I'm really concerned about is creating an expectation that at the end of life this is the option that people are almost expected to take," Johnson stated. Furthermore, Johnson called for additional clarity on safeguards to ensure that medical professionals are confident that patients fully understand the decision they are making and are not being coerced into choosing assisted dying by external pressures.

Opposition from the Scottish Conservative Party

Scottish Conservative MSP Craig Hoy has been vocal in his opposition to the assisted dying bill and remains firmly opposed to it, regardless of any changes to its wording. Hoy argued that even if the proposed amendments are implemented, the bill could still lead to a "slippery slope" in which future amendments could expand the eligibility criteria, making the legislation more controversial. He stated, "Whatever changes are given here and now, it doesn't mean we're not at the top of a very slippery slope and that judges or MSPs in the future could change the legislation to make it wholly unpalatable to people who might be voting for it today."

Next Steps for the Assisted Dying Bill

As the bill continues its journey through the Scottish Parliament, MSPs will have the opportunity to debate and vote on the proposed changes, including the potential six-month prognosis requirement. The fate of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill will ultimately depend on the outcome of the final vote in the coming weeks, with the possibility of further amendments being introduced before the bill becomes law.

Conclusion

The assisted dying debate in Scotland is on the brink of a significant shift, with MSP Liam McArthur and others pushing for changes that could alter the eligibility criteria for assisted dying. As the issue remains contentious, with differing opinions among MSPs and political parties, the upcoming vote will be crucial in determining the future of the bill and whether assisted dying will become a legal option for terminally ill adults in Scotland.

Sources:

• The Guardian
• BBC News
• The Scotsman
• MSP behind assisted dying bill backs change to eligibility rules

Author: Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a journalist covering culture, art, and literature. She is known for her creative approach and ability to produce in-depth features and interviews.