McArthur comments on Nuffield Trust report into assisted dying

Commenting on the Nuffield Trust's embargoed report into assisted dying, Liam McArthur MSP said:

"I thank the Nuffield Trust for their diligent work in producing such a helpful report. Now that the Scottish Parliament has passed the general principles of my Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill it is certainly timely, as we turn our focus to how assisted dying can be safely and successfully implemented.

"At the crux of the report, and indeed my bill, is the need for investment in both safety and compassion. As we move through the amending phase of my bill in Parliament I am very happy to engage with the recommendations identified by the Nuffield Trust to do all we can to deliver the best assisted dying law for terminally ill adults in Scotland.

"The report raises many important points around the need for investment in training, systems and support for all those involved in the process, and the need to tackle obstacles that might prevent equitable access to assisted dying. It also points out the importance of learning the lessons for Scotland from other jurisdictions who have already safely introduced choice at the end of life, which has been one of the driving principles behind the development of my bill.

"Right now, dying people are forced to endure unbearable pain, travel to die alone in another country, or take matters into their own hands. My bill aims to change this and raise the bar for care, compassion, and safety for everyone. The report issued today helps us shine a light on how the experience of other jurisdictions across the world can help us implement the very best practice here in Scotland."