A Lanarkshire MSP has backed legislation which could give terminally ill people the choice of ending their own life.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill was launched in the Scottish Parliament earlier this month (Thursday, September 8).
Scottish Labour and Co-operative representative Monica Lennon says "everyone deserves dignity in death" as she backs the proposal lodged by Liam McArthur MSP.
The bill, if passed, would see those suffering from a terminal illness be given the choice to end their life by means of medication provided by a doctor for that purpose.
It would mean those affected can have their wish respected if requested.
After the final proposal was submitted this month, Ms Lennon told Lanarkshire Live: “Everyone deserves dignity in death, however too many people don’t have their wishes respected or have the end of life journey that they deserved.
“System change is needed to improve this, and I fully support Liam McArthur MSP’s member’s bill regarding compassionate assisted dying."
The initial draft proposal was launched in September 2021 and full details can be found here.
In May this year, it was reported that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was "more open" to Holyrood legalising assisted dying following pleas from terminally ill Scots.
But it has remained an issue which has continued to split society, as those for the bill argue it should be something for people of sound mind who are close to death to end their suffering of immense pain.
This is something that Central Scotland MSP Ms Lennon agrees with and hopes to see the proposed legislation carried through.
She explained: “The fact that the recent consultation for the bill received the highest number of responses since the Parliament was established in 1999 shows the strength of feeling around this issue.
“I have met with and will continue to liaise with representatives of Dignity in Dying and others with an interest in the proposal to help me learn more about the experiences that have influenced people’s views on this.”
The consultation summary states: "A proposal for a Member's Bill to enable competent adults who are terminally ill to be provided at their request with assistance to end their life and to provide for the collection and reporting of relevant data."
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