Voice must be heard

THE proposal to introduce assisted suicide in Scotland is about more than the legal question of whether doctors should be able to facilitate the death of their patients without criminal sanction.

It is a matter that goes to the very heart of personal morality, professional ethics, religious faith and what we as a society think about the value of life, the virtue of choice and the nature of death.

If any debate calls for tolerance and openmindedness, it is this one.

Sincere, compassionate people are to be found on both sides and it behoves us all to listen to them.

Pam Duncan-Glancy is one such person and her intervention is considered and thought-provoking.

The Labour MSP, Holyrood’s first fulltime wheelchair user, warns assisted suicide poses ‘a danger’ to disabled people and says the focus should instead be on giving them ‘a right to life and support’.

It is a compelling perspective and, whatever view one may take, DuncanGlancy’s is a voice that must be heard.