Flaws cited in Scotland’s assisted dying legislation

A SCOTTISH parliament committee has found that a bill shortly to come before Holyrood to legalise assisted suicide contains “significant flaws” and “softens cultural perceptions of suicide”, writes Brian Morton.

A significant majority of committee members have now declared themselves against the proposed legislation, which would allow those with terminal or life-shortening illnesses to seek help to end their lives. The health and sport committee has, however, declined to make any recommendations in connection with the bill and will allow MSPs to vote on it according to individual conscience.