Assisted Dying Bill - Scotland

Oh Maddyone , this is a very raw subject for you, but I expect many of us have a similar tale to tell, and we should be listened to.

Zonne

^Indeed. Do you know of any country where this is not the case? I don't^

The Netherlands allows people to request, in advance, and receive physician assisted death if they develop any form of dementia.

There was a court case which confirmed the legality of this a couple of years ago.

Thanks for this. Been reading into it, and the situation is not totally clear. But anyhow, a person seeking assistance has to be resident in Belgium.

Everyone who knows me and my OH has been told that we both want the other to assist in every way possible when either of us have a terminal illness or reach a stage where life would be unbearable for us.

Asking a spouse or AC, or close friend, to assist, is really not a good idea as they would face prosecution and possible emprisonment.

Even travelling to Dignitas in Switzerland with a spouse, has been considered 'assisting', leading to criminal investigation. Just not fair.

I can't imagine being a close relative of someone who asks for that help, and not being willing to give it - other than the concern of how to do it well without causing them further suffering.

There have been many terminally ill people who have campaigned in favour of this legislation but who have been denied a peaceful end to their lives.

www.dignityindyingscotland.org.uk/why-we-need-change/personal-stories/

maddyone I'm very sorry for your loss.

I can't know your feelings but I'm sure that, if I were a close relative of someone in your mother's situation, I'd want them to have the option (of their own free choice) of assisted death rather than an extended period of pointless suffering.

The legislation is only to apply where there is an identifiable terminal illness, however, not simply for age-related loss of abilities.

My mother was in such appalling pain and distress I'd have given her the pills myself if I could have and taken the consequences. It was awful to hear her cries. I'll never forget it. A dreadful situation in every sense of the word.

I am so sorry to hear Aveline. So cruel and lacking in compassion, for both the patient and ACs, next of kin.