North East Scotland

Dundee City East

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As the Assisted Dying Bill enters its final stage I wanted to thank you again for the way that you have approached this Bill.  I have been struck by the thoughtfulness and care that MSPs are taking in their approach to the Bill and its amendments.

Obviously the Bill has changed a great deal since Stage 1 and more changes due to legislative competence questions will come through its Stage 3 process.  I am concerned to learn that key sections relating to the ability of Health Care providers to exercise their right to conscientious objection are likely to be removed from the Bill.

I am also particularly worried about the large sections of the Bill that contain safeguards that are likely to be removed.  These include training for health care professionals, Section 15 on the process of assisted dying, and Section 6 which includes identifying coercion.

I know that many MSPs are in favour of Assisted Dying in principle but remain concerned about the way that this Bill is framed and the fact that many of the safeguards will have to be removed in order for it to be legislatively competent.

In case you missed their recent statements, the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland has said it "would oppose any law being implemented without clear legal protections for healthcare staff", and the British Geriatrics Society "urges MSPs to vote against the legalisation of assisted dying in Scotland." Please consider what these key bodies have said.

Thanks again.

Yours,