CARE for Scotland has urged Nicola Sturgeon to oppose assisted suicide to protect people with disabilities, after she signalled she might support plans to legalise the practice. In a recent interview Ms Sturgeon said she is ‘more open’ to a law change and has no ‘concluded view’ on a member's bill from Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur. Ms Sturgeon expressed opposition to assisted suicide in 2015 when it was last considered in Scotland. CARE said, ‘The First Minister's assessment of assisted suicide's dangers was correct in 2015 and ‘remains so today. It is confirmed by Canada’s tragic experience, where vulnerable citizens are coerced into opting for assisted death after being unable to access care and support. Canada experiences the ‘slippery slope’ of such laws. If Scotland agrees to assisted suicide for terminally ill, a campaign will begin in earnest to widen eligibility for the physically and mentally disabled.’ For more on Canada’s experience, see
Nicola Sturgeon - assisted suicide bill
Written by David Fletcher 06 May 2022Additional Info
- Pray: for the First Minister and all MSPs to review carefully the assisted suicide evidence which confirms the dangers and could cause profound injustices for the most marginalised. (Ecclesiastes 7:17)
- More: https://care.org.uk/news/2022/05/nicola-sturgeon-must-oppose-regressive-assisted-suicide-bill-to-protect-people-with-disabilities