MSP Margo MacDonald tries again for assisted suicide law

A FRESH attempt to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland is being launched, despite defeat just over a year ago.

Margo MacDonald, whose first attempt fell in a free vote, argues that there is consistent support among the public.

Ms MacDonald, Holyrood’s only independent MSP, will set out a new consultation at the official launch at the Scottish Parliament today.

Changes to the previous proposal are expected to cover qualifying conditions and whether assisted suicide should be administered by a physician or by the patient.

Under her plan, Scotland would become the first part of the UK to change the law, which leaves Scots open to prosecution for culpable homicide.

Ms MacDonald said: “The volume of correspondence I’ve received on the matter, coupled with the continuing public interest, stimulated in part by some high-profile statements in favour of the general principle of assisted suicide, indicates to me a consistent level of support for individuals suffering a terminal illness or condition, for whom life becomes intolerable, to have the legal right to request help to end their life before nature decrees.”

The launch comes days after a report called for doctors to be given the right to be able to help terminally-ill people with less than a year left to live to kill themselves.

The Commission on Assisted Dying said stringent safeguards must be in place to protect those who might not have the mental capacity to make such a choice, or who might be clinically depressed or experiencing pressure from friends or relatives.

The commission, chaired by Lord Falconer, said a terminally-ill person would need to be able to take the medication themselves, as a clear sign their actions were voluntary.