Thoughts on proposed Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill
We recently had a short talk from Stephen Hutchison at Smithton. Dr Hutchison is a palliative care consultant at Highland Hospice and Raigmore Hospital. Read his briefing paper here on the Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill which is currently being considered by the Health and Sport Committee who are holding a public consultation on the Bill.
In his paper, Stephen outlines the background to the Bill, describes proposed legislation, presents the arguments against Assisted Suicide, and provides information on how everyone can take part in the public consultation, which is open until 6th June 2014.
Says Stephen ‘You must feel free to respond in whatever way captures your views on this. You may or may not share my views. We must think for ourselves,’ but he adds ‘I hope you will take the time to respond to this as a very significant issue for our society.’
We’re very grateful to Stephen for giving us such a detailed and thoughtful analysis of the proposed measure based on his vast experience of working with people at the close of their lives. Stephen is correct, we need to be informed about this issue we need also to reflect on it in the light of our Biblical convictions and respond appropriately.