The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament, sparking widespread debate.
The proposed legislation which is at stage one, aims to allow terminally ‘ill adults’ in Scotland, who are eligible, to lawfully request, and be provided with, assistance by health professionals to end their own life.
Proponents argue that the bill offers a compassionate choice for those suffering unbearably, while pro-life campaigners say murder is murder. Adding that the bill if passed can potentially raise ethical concerns and fear potential abuses.
Meanwhile, Scottish consultation has set up a survey to further decide on the bill.
This an opportunity to stand for life by making it clear that you oppose assisted suicide and euthanasia.
The Bible says,
Leviticus 24:17 And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.
What is assisted suicide?
Assisted suicide is intentionally helping another person to end their life. It can involve people who are not terminally ill.
Providing someone with a lethal dose of sedatives or helping them go to Switzerland (where assisted suicide is legal) could both be considered assisted suicide.
But who has given man the power to end another man’s life?
Matthew 5:21-22 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgement.
What is euthanasia?
Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending a person’s life, to relieve suffering in which a lethal drug is administered by a physician.
It is legal in fewer places than assisted dying or assisted suicide and patients do not necessarily have to be terminally ill, external.
There are two types: voluntary euthanasia, external, where a patient has given consent, and non-voluntary, external, where they have not been able to, for example if they are in a coma.
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Attempts to legalise murder?
Across the UK, the laws prohibits individuals from seeking medical assistance to end their lives.
In particular, euthanasia is illegal in England and classified as manslaughter or murder, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The Suicide Act of 1961 further criminalises the act of encouraging or assisting a suicide in England and Wales, with offenders facing up to 14 years in prison.
Comparable laws are in place in Northern Ireland.
Although Scotland does not have a specific law against assisting suicide, aiding someone in dying could result in charges of culpable homicide. But the the Bible is crystal clear about murder.
Countries considering changes
Scotland, Jersey, and the Isle of Man are currently considering changes to their laws to allow terminally ill individuals to end their lives.
Campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen is urging Westminster MPs to also vote on assisted dying, claiming that a report found ‘some evidence of improved end-of-life care in regions where it is permitted’.
Several countries have already legalised various forms of assisted suicide, or euthanasia, each with distinct definitions and regulations.
Euthanasia is legal in five countries in Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and more recently Germany and Spain. In the Netherlands, mental illness can result in euthanasia. In Oregon, US, non-terminal illness, such as arthritis and anorexia are used as reasons. Canada, too is well down the ‘slippery slope’
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Read and pray
READ: Gen 04:10-11; Exod 20:13, 21:12-14; Deut 27:25, 30:19; 2Chr 34:21b; Job 1:2; Psa 26:9-10; Prov 3:6, 31:8; Eccl 3:2, 8:8; Isa 1:15; Jer 22:8-9; Ezek 22:12; Matt 27:3-5; Luke 18:20; John 10:17-18; Rom 13:4; Rev 21:4.
PRAY: For MSPs to seek the Lord for his wisdom. May they repent of their foolishness.
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