The long-term effects of legalising assisted suicide in Scotland will inevitably mean:

• Pressure will increase on those people who are vulnerable, disabled or elderly to end their lives prematurely.
• The number of deaths will increase over time.
• The law will be extended to other conditions.
• Economic pressures will come to bear on decision making.
• Ultimately, even terminally ill and possibly disabled children (who are unable to give informed consent) are likely to eligible to be helped to die.