Are some lives worth less than others?

If the Scottish Parliament changes the law to allow assisted suicide, it is acquiescing with the view that some people do not deserve full legal protection. It is saying that some lives are of less value than others. Fears about assisted suicide among people who are vulnerable or who have disabilities or mental illness will likely grow. The value we presently place on helping people to live fulfilled and comfortable lives, regardless of their illness or disability, will inevitably be undermined.

In the Netherlands, for instance, the fastest growing category of people dying by euthanasia is those who are mentally ill but have no physical illness. There was a 500% increase in such cases there between 2012 and 2017.

In Belgium, euthanasia is available for people with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia delusional disorders and even autism. In other jurisdictions, the initial eligibility criteria have been progressively extended to include children and patients with psychiatric illnesses or dementia.

Opposing Euthanasia and assisted suicide is the only way to prevent its future extension to people with non-terminal illnesses, disabilities and psychiatric conditions.