Disabled Man Demands Clarification On 'Right To Die' Laws

Published 14th May 2015

A demand for the law surrounding assisted suicide to be made absolutely clear in Scotland is being heard at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Gordon Ross, who has Parkinson's disease, wants to know whether his loved ones would be prosecuted if they helped him to end his life.

His condition means he cannot attend court.

The 66-year-old said he does not want to die now but fears that should a time come when he has "had enough'', he will not be capable of ending his life without help.

Mr Ross and members of the campaign group, Friends at the End are calling on the Lord Advocate to issue guidance to clarify whether anyone assisting him would be charged with an offence.

Guidance has previously been issued in England but does not apply north of the border.

Mr Ross said: "I believe that, as a disabled person, I am currently being discriminated against. Anyone else, in any circumstances, can choose to end their own lives at any time.

"Because of my disability that is something I am unable to do.

"I do not wish to end my life, I want it to go on as long as I can. However, if my condition deteriorates to the point that I do want to take that action, I want to know what action the law might take were someone to assist me".