Former MSP Dennis Canavan has spoken out against plans for an assisted suicide law, saying his children’s deaths showed it is not needed to “ensure dignity in death”.
The ex-Labour MP, 79, who later became an independent MSP, said he had “probably had more than my fair share of deaths in my family”.
Four of his five children have died, three from terminal illness.
Canavan, who will speak to MSPs about his experiences at an event in Holyrood on Wednesday, said his children all “died with dignity”.
Supporters of assisted suicide argue it can give those suffering from terminal conditions a more dignified death.
However, speaking ahead of the event run by the Care Not Killing campaign group, the ex-Falkirk MP said: “I have probably had more than my fair share of deaths in my family, having suffered the loss of four children, three of them as the result of terminal illness.
“However, I found the standard of NHS care to be excellent and the standard of palliative care in our local Strathcarron Hospice was first class.”
Canavan lost Mark aged 41 after a three-year battle with MND.
Dennis Jr died from a brain tumour aged 35 and Paul from skin cancer aged 16. Ruth died at the age of 49.
The 76-year-old, who also has a son Adam, added: “My children undoubtedly underwent some pain but it was minimised by caring health professionals.
“As a result, my children died in dignity and I do not accept the option of assisted suicide is necessary to ensure dignity in death.”
Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur is spearheading a third attempt to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland, with a Member’s Bill.
He wants to make assisted dying a choice for adults who are both terminally ill and mentally competent and insists there are safeguards built into his proposed Assisted Dying Scotland Bill.
McArthur said he had “the utmost sympathy for Dennis and the great loss he has had to endure”, and added: “I am pleased that the palliative care received by his children was of such high quality and provided relief and comfort.
“However, we know that sadly some dying people do go beyond the limits of even the very best care and suffer intolerably as they die.
“The proposals I intend to bring work alongside excellent palliative care – giving dying people both excellent care and more choice if they need it.
Baroness Stephanie Fraser of Craigmaddie will also address Wednesday’s meeting.
She said she was “deeply concerned that fraudsters would be able to take advantage of the most vulnerable”.
CNK chief executive Dr Gordon Macdonald added: “Instead of investing in life-enhancing treatments and services, the focus of policy makers becomes how to help people commit suicide.
“Perhaps most concerning is the risk that people who are vulnerable will come under pressure to end their lives from relatives or healthcare managers who have an eye on the costs of care and would prefer to either gain a large inheritance or make savings in NHS or social care budgets.”
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