A proposed bill that would allow terminally ill to request assisted suicide has been met with concern by 200 medical professionals.
A letter was signed by health care professionals representing different specialties to the Health SecretaryHumza YousafDescribe their concerns.
The letter was sent in part of a campaign to get signaturesOur Duty of Care(ODOC), includesDavid GallowayFormer president of theRoyal College of Physicians and Surgeons GlasgowExpert in palliative medicineProfessor Marie Fallon.
ODOC is a UK umbrella organization of healthcare workers that oppose assisted suicide or the intentional killing patients.
The letter stated that they were concerned about the introduction of a bill in Scotland to legalize assisted suicide. This shift from protecting life to taking it is huge and must not be minimized. Due to the immense value of each human life, almost all civilized societies have a ban on killing.
“Everyone has the right to live under Article 1 of 1998’s Human Rights Act. This means that no one should be denied that life in any way. Some patients might not consider assisted suicide unless they are urged to. This path will lead to the cruel irony that legislation designed to increase patient choice will make it less attractive for the most vulnerable.
“As health professionals, we have a legal obligation to care for the safety of our patients. The undersigned will not risk the lives of patients – even if asked. We ask for consistency in law to protect all of us.
This legislation would allow assisted dying for adults who are terminally ill or mentally competent.
Dr Gillian WrightA former palliative medicine registrar, now working in medical ethics said that “Currently, the law prohibits an individual or the state from intentionally taking life.” What is the reason for this? Because society places a tremendous value on every human being, regardless of their ability to pay it.
“We are encouraged by the fact that ordinary nurses and doctors from all over Scotland have come together to send a clear message to Health Secretary.
“We understand there is pain at the end of your life, but that should not drive us to provide assisted suicide. Instead, we should be providing high-quality palliative care that is well-funded and accessible for everyone.
