Bill Backers Vow To Continue Fight

Campaigners for the Assisted Suicide Bill have vowed to continue their fight after MSPs voted against the legislation at Holyrood.

The My Life, My Death, My Choice campaign said it was encouraged that support for the proposals had more than doubled since the issue last came before the Scottish Parliament in 2010.

Those who opposed the Bill said the vote was a "ringing endorsement" of their position and called on proponents to "give it a rest".

A statement from My Life, My Death, My Choice, said: "It may be that MSPs had concerns about some of the details in this Bill but the principle that a change in the law needs to be examined seriously has been established.

"We will keep fighting to convince MSPs to find a way to deliver this change quickly and in a responsible manner which protects vulnerable groups, representing the clear desire of the Scottish people.

"Although disappointed with the result, we are emboldened by the increasing support for our cause both amongst MSPs and the wider public."

Care Not Killing, the umbrella group spearheading the opposition campaign, hailed the outcome as a "major triumph".

Convenor Dr Gordon Macdonald said: "MSPs have issued a ringing endorsement of our views with this comprehensive vote, taking a bold and critical step which marks a major victory for the vulnerable in our society who are most in need of protection.

"The present law making assisted suicide illegal is clear and right and does not need changing.

"It is right that the law is not to be changed to accommodate the wishes of a small number of desperate and determined people at the expense of the rights of others."

Free Church Moderator Reverend David Robertson said: "This is the second time in five years that the Scottish Parliament has given a clear 'No' to assisted suicide, and it is time for proponents to give it a rest.

"The Scottish Parliament chose life over death and that is a hugely positive thing, especially for the most vulnerable in society.

"Of course we know that such is the determination of those who believe that their doctrines are absolutely right, that they will keep pressurising and coming back.

"We will continue to fight them every step of the way - for the sake of the weak, the vulnerable and the poor in our society."

Welcoming the vote, Stuart Weir, national director of the Christian charity Care for Scotland, said: "The Assisted Suicide Bill before MSPs today was poorly drafted and as the Health and Sport Committee said, contained numerous flaws.

"Our focus now should be on devoting resources, time and talents to further developing end of life care across Scotland and on sending a positive, compassionate message to vulnerable and disabled people that we are going to help them to live, not to die."

Fred Drummond, national director of evangelical Alliance Scotland, added: "This sends a resounding message that Scotland values the equal dignity and worth of every human being at whatever stage or situation in life.

"A change in the law to allow assisted suicide would undoubtedly have placed pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives so as not to be a burden on others.

"We are delighted that MSPs have seen the danger of this legislation and voted to reject it today."