My dad did not want to be a burden ... but burden is spoken of as if it's a dirty word

Daughter of terminally-ill firefighter who researched way of taking his own life has welcomed the vote for assisted dying

- MICHAEL PRINGLE

The daughter of a firefighter from Hamilton who researched ways to take his own life when he was terminally ill has welcomed the vote in favour of assisted dying.

MSPs voted 70 to 56 at Holyrood last Wednesday in favour of the first reading of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced to parliament by Liam McArthur MSP.

Joanne Easton, from Wishaw, whose dad died in June, 2021 a day before his 70th birthday, is both relieved and delighted that the Bill will progress.

“It was overwhelming relief more than anything, as there was a bit of fear that it wasn't going to get enough support,” she said.

“There has been a lot of misinformation and a few [MSPs] came out beforehand and said they'd be voting against it.”

Joanne's dad Robert Easton endured a painful and drawn-out death after being diagnosed with cancer.

She urged MSPs to listen to the vast majority of constituents who are strongly in favour of people being given the choice.

A recent poll suggested only 15 per cent of the Scottish population opposed the introduction of an assisted dying law.

Joanne continued: “There are two main issues of opposition.

“The first one is burden, the other is coercion.

“They talk about people being a burden and being pressurised into ending their lives.

“My dad did not want to be a burden, it was the last thing he wanted.