The proposed Bill has been brought forward by Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur
Share this @internewscast.com

Young people aged 18-24 are more opposed than any other age group to attempts to legalise assisted dying in Scotland, a new poll has found.

The update follows the announcement by the Lib Dem MSP leading the initiative that he has removed the provision allowing 16-year-olds to opt for medically-assisted dying.

Liam McArthur has introduced a proposed Bill which now stipulates that individuals must be at least 18 years old to apply for assisted euthanasia.

Under the new proposal, the law would permit patients with a terminal illness to seek medical help to end their lives, provided they are deemed mentally competent to decide by two physicians.

MSPs are scheduled to vote on the broad principles of McArthur’s bill at Holyrood on 13 May.

Discussing his decision, Mr McArthur said: ‘In other jurisdictions that have changed the law to allow dying people access to the choice of an assisted death, such as the US, Australia and New Zealand, 18 is the age from which terminally ill adults become eligible.

‘On balance I now feel that this would be most appropriate for Scotland.’

The change to the proposed Assisted Dying (Scotland) Bill comes as the results of a survey by pollsters Whitestone, commissioned by anti-assisted suicide campaign group Care Not Killing, are published.

The proposed Bill has been brought forward by Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur

The proposed Bill has been brought forward by Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur

Health secretary Neil Gray has refused to say how he will vote on the Bill

Health secretary Neil Gray has refused to say how he will vote on the Bill

It shows initial support for the Bill is highest among 45-54 year olds with 83 per cent of those surveyed in favour of it.

Meanwhile, the lowest level of initial support was found to be among people aged 18-24 at 69 per cent.

The poll also found that two thirds of Scots oppose assisted suicide when they consider how it operates in practice and think about the arguments against it.

The pollsters said that support for assisted suicide among the general population falls to just 19 per cent when those taking part were presented with 10 arguments against assisted dying, including facts about how it operates overseas.

The study found that among those who initially support assisted suicide, only 25 per cent continued to do so after considering the arguments against.

Dr Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing which is spearheading opposition to the legislation said the results show the public ‘have genuine fears’ about the Bill.

He added: ‘This shows that most people have no fixed views on the matter and are deeply troubled by its consequences.’

The news comes after SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray refused to reveal how he will vote on the Bill.

He will not make his views known publicly until after MSPs vote for the first time on the issue.

The private member’s Bill lodged by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur has so far failed to win public backing from a single member of John Swinney’s Cabinet.

The First Minister has also said he intends to make his own personal views known on the issue in the coming days, before the Stage One vote to decide whether the Bill will continue to proceed through parliament.

Mr Gray had said: ‘As I’m the lead minister for the Bill, I’m going to be following the government’s position, which is of neutrality.’

Three previous attempts to legalise assisted dying in Scotland have failed to secure enough support from MSPs.

Asked about his own position on Thursday, Mr Swinney said: ‘I have got views on that and I will set them out in due course.’

Mr Swinney, who has previously spoken of his ‘deep Christian faith’ and voted against the Assisted Suicide Scotland Bill in 2015, said he intends to make a ‘public statement’ on the issue before the Stage One vote, and added: ‘It will obviously be my individual view.

‘I appreciate I’m the First Minister but it will be my view, I will have one vote on this issue and I will make clear my view.’

In order to proceed to Stage Two, the Bill would need to secure majority support among the 129 MSPs on May 13.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Sanae Takaichi Breaks Barriers: What Her Historic Achievement Means for Women in Japan

Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative who admires Margaret Thatcher, became Japan’s first…
People brave the early morning ahead of the record-breaking heat at Rose Bay's Redleaf Pool in Sydney.

Sydney Suburbs Sizzle: Record-Breaking Heat and Fierce Winds Fuel Fire Warnings

Sydney has endured its hottest October day on record, with temperatures climbing…
'Nice guy': PM reveals extra details about Trump-Rudd clash

Prime Minister Shares Additional Insights into Trump-Rudd Dispute

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed Australia’s ambassador to the US, former…
Top UN court says Israel must allow UN relief agency to supply Gaza aid

International Court of Justice Mandates Israel to Permit UN Relief Agency Access for Gaza Aid Distribution

The International Court of Justice says Israel must allow the UN aid…
Houses in an outer suburb.

Australia’s Property Market Faces $42 Billion Setback: What It Means for Homeowners and Investors

The latest study, unveiled today by the Climate Council in collaboration with…
Hannah Thomas was badly injured following an anti-Israel protest in Sydney's west.

Shocking Twist: Officer Faces Fresh Charges in Assault Case Involving Ex-Greens Candidate

A police officer already facing legal proceedings for allegedly assaulting former Greens…

JD Vance Expresses Optimism About Gaza Ceasefire Stability Amid Ongoing Repatriation Efforts

United States vice president JD Vance has said he has “great optimism”…
Wild weather in Victoria

Victoria and SA Prepare for Intense Cyclonic Winds and Severe Weather Conditions

Residents throughout south-east Victoria, including those in Melbourne, are bracing for severe…
According to clinical nutritionist, Gina Urlich, everyday seed oils could be slowly wrecking our health - and they're in everything from fast food takeaways and salad bar dressings to supermarket breads and even so-called 'healthy' snacks

Clinical Nutritionist Reveals the Common Kitchen Staple She Steers Clear Of

Many of us might casually pour a bit of oil into the…
Brittany Higgins has abandoned appeals against her costly defamation battle loss to her former boss, ex-Liberal senator Linda Reynolds.

Stunned by Defamation Defeat: Higgins Drops Appeals Amid Skyrocketing Costs

Brittany Higgins has decided to withdraw her appeals related to the loss…
Rebecca, from New Zealand, was unfazed as she enjoyed a frozen mango treat while her son had a tantrum because he wanted her to share

Outrage Erupts as ‘Selfish’ Mother’s Response to Crying Toddler Draws Sympathy and Criticism

A mother’s decision not to share her ice cream with her tearful…
Missing four-year-old Gus

Ex-Tyrrell Detective Shares Insider Insights on the Ongoing Search for Missing Boy Gus

One of the nation’s most high-profile former detectives says he’s confident South…