Dignity in Dying welcomes progression of Scottish End of Life Choices Bill

Margo McDonald MSP’s proposed End of Life Choices Bill for Scotland has secured enough support (18 signatories) to progress to the next stage, the Bill proposal will be lodged today. The Bill will now lie on the Business Bulletin for 30 days before it is considered by the Health Committee.

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive at Dignity in Dying said:

“Dignity in Dying welcomes the progression of the Bill and the valuable opportunity for Members of the Scottish Parliament to debate this hugely important issue. We are pleased that the consultation process has been successful and has resulted in the withdrawal of people suffering from mental health conditions being eligible to apply for assisted dying under the proposed Bill. While Dignity in Dying remains concerned about a small proportion of the proposals put forward in the draft Bill, we would like to see a law to allow the choice of assisted dying for mentally competent, terminally ill adults, and we fully support efforts to improve patient choice at the end of life. We look forward to the debate to follow and hope that all Members of the Scottish Parliament will have the courage to fully engage with the issues.”

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Notes to editor

About Dignity in Dying:

· Dignity in Dying campaigns for greater choice, control and access to services at the end of life. It advocates providing terminally ill adults with the option of an assisted death, within strict legal safeguards, and for universal access to high quality end-of-life care.

· Dignity in Dying has over 100,000 supporters and receives its funding entirely from donations from the public.

· Opinion polls consistently show that at least 80% of the UK population support a change in the law on assisted dying.

Media Contacts:

For all media enquiries, please contact Jo Cartwright on 020 7479 7737 or at jo.cartwright@dignityindying.org.uk