Assisted dying bill is about personal choice at end of life

Earlier this month, the Scottish Parliament voted on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1.

- SHARON DOWEY

It was not an easy decision to make. This is one of the most serious and sensitive issues any parliamentarian will ever vote on.

I would like to take this opportunity to explain why I supported the general principles of the Bill, and make it clear that my vote at this stage does not amount to a final endorsement of the Bill. There is still a significant amount of work to be done, particularly on safeguards, before I can support it at Stage 3, and many of my colleagues who also supported this Bill at Stage 1 may share the same view.