Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced her opposition to a proposed assisted dying law in Scotland, calling it the "most difficult decision" of her political career. She expressed deep concerns around potential coercion that terminally ill individuals, particularly the elderly, might face. Sturgeon also criticized the broad definition of terminal illness within the bill, which she argues could lead to misinterpretations of who qualifies. While she acknowledged the sensitivity of the proposal put forth by MSP Liam McArthur, she ultimately feels that the potential social ramifications challenge the essence of palliative care and the support for the terminally ill.
While my misgivings about the bill in its current form could be addressed by amendments, some of my concerns are so fundamental that this would not be possible.
I worry about the change in the doctor-patient relationship that would result from legislating to allow assisted dying and how it might profoundly change society's attitude to life and death.
I have come to the conclusion that the definition of terminal illness being too broad raises fears of internal coercion, especially among the elderly.
Sturgeon praised McArthur's approach, stating it is one of "great sensitivity" despite her opposition to his bill on fundamental ethical grounds.
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