Overwhelming defeat for Margo Macdonald's End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill

Tonight, the Scottish Parliament has voted overwhelmingly by 85 to 16 to reject Macdonald's End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill at its first stage debate. See how MSPs voted on the Bill here. The transcript of the Stage 1 debate on the Bill is available to view online.

Commenting on this result, Gordon Macdonald of Care Not Killing Alliance, said:

'This is a fantastic result and a victory for the most vulnerable in our community. The detailed scrutiny and exhaustive investigation that this bill has had over many months and the sheer magnitude of its defeat should settle this issue in Scotland for a generation.

MSPs have voted overwhelmingly today to reject in principle the legalization of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia in Scotland recognizing that such a move would seriously endanger public safety. They have instead sent a ringing endorsement to making the very best palliative care widely available and accessible.

The key argument that decided this vote and the similar votes in the House of Lords in 2006 and 2009 is a simple one. The right to die can so easily become the duty to die. Vulnerable people who are sick, elderly or disabled can so easily feel pressure, whether real or imagined, to end their lives so as not to be a burden on others.

Parliament's first responsibility is to protect the vulnerable and that is what they have voted to do today.'

Articles
Margo MacDonald's End of Life Assistance Bill rejected: The BBC, 1 December 2010
Assisted suicide Bill has opened debate on an important issue: The Herald Scotland, 2 December 2010
MSPs reject Bill legalising the right to die: The Herald Scotland, 2 December 2010
Scottish Parliament rejects assisted suicide Bill, Christian Today, 2 December 2010
Right to die bill is rejected: The Scottish Sun, 2 December 2010
Assisted suicide law bid defeated: Press Association, 2 December 2010