In Scotland, the bill was originally introduced by Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) Margo MacDonald who had Parkinson's disease and died last year; MSP Patrick Harvie agreed to continue the political procedure, but hasn't had a successful outcome. Throughout the debate, the late Ms MacDonald was fondly remembered, but her wish was not granted. Although it's thought that there's public backing for a change in the law, the bill was felt unethical by many of the speakers. They also said that the bill lacked clarity and was open to interpretation, but surely that could be overcome and improved upon. The Parliament and church were against a change and are, unsurprisingly, out of touch with public opinion. For now, the present law stands and although suicide is legal, asking for assistance to end one's life could lead to the helper being prosecuted.
I've expressed my views before (blog Debbie Purdy 2/1/15) and cannot understand the lack of understanding shown by some politicians. It can't be an easy decision to end one's life, but for people with a terminal illness and in pain, it may be a welcome release. The argument is made that the law could be abused and vulnerable patients could be killed against their wish, but surely there would be safeguards. The agreement of a judge and two doctors has been suggested as part of the procedure.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Director of Public Prosecutions has to approve court action following an assisted suicide and often compassion is shown. Why won't the politicians be decisive and give clear guidance by changing the law? I don't think I could sit back and refuse assistance to someone dying in pain and asking for help. I'd feel far worse if the person ended their life alone because I'd refused their call when in distress, so would be prepared to accept the consequences.
Assisted suicide is legal in Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland and appears to function in a proper manner. In other countries, patients may be committing a lonely suicide - 20 a year are estimated to do so in England and Wales - instead of having help and company during such a distressing time. Some British patients have been known to travel to Dignitas in Switzerland to die with assistance and without recourse.
We're a society which has its priorities wrong. We don't live forever and it's an ineluctable fact that we'll die; it's just a matter of when and, in some cases, how. Why can't we accept that some of us are unfortunate and become terminally ill before our natural ending? When that happens, we should have the choice of how to die. Some may wish to live as long as they can. Others choose to commit suicide and in those circumstances, should be given all the assistance they need to make death as comfortable as possible. It's time for the politicians to listen to the public, face the facts and change the law.