Assisted suicide may be brought to vulnerable people via video link if they live in isolated parts of Scotland, a consultation on a proposed assisted suicide bill has heard.

Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, which aspires “to create a new standard for how we die”, would legalise assisted suicide in Scotland for adults who are both terminally ill and mentally competent.

A patient seeking to die would have to seek confirmation from two doctors that they are mentally competent and terminally ill. They would also have to sign a written declaration of their request, witnessed and countersigned by the two doctors.

Video calls have been introduced as a means for those living in rural areas to access assisted suicide more easily.

The consultation reads: “Assisted dying may in practice be harder to obtain for people living in small and remote communities, including island communities – particularly as travelling is likely to be particularly difficult for people with a terminal illness.

“It may also be more difficult for someone living in such a location to gain access to an alternative doctor if the only local doctor declines to assist on grounds of conscience.

“Research from permissive jurisdictions shows that assessments can be undertaken via videolink with the doctor and the patient in exceptional circumstances.”

Dr. Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of Care Not Killing, said that the prospect of a videolink consultation to end a person’s life is astounding.

He said: “How can a medic make a decision on the state of mind of an individual on a remote internet connection without being in the physical presence of that person to try and make a measured judgement?”

Mr. MacArthur responded to concerns surrounding videolink consultations, saying: “The proposals outlined in the bill consultation take into account the very real challenges of delivering aspects of healthcare in rural and remote communities.”

A dangerous development

Michael Robinson, SPUC Executive Director (Public Affairs), said: “We will shortly be providing materials, including a full briefing, to equip SPUC supporters in responding to this consultation with full force.

“It is vital that Scotland is fully informed about the very real dangers of assisted suicide, which is neither ‘compassionate’, nor ‘progressive’, despite the claims of Mr. McArthur.”

An attempt to introduce similar legislation in England is also currently being undertaken.

SPUC’s Mr. Robinson added: “The prospect of videolink consultations is a shocking development in the push towards legalising assisted suicide in the UK.

“The introduction of DIY abortion has shown us the dangers of conducting sensitive consultations remotely, allowing coercion to go unnoticed.

“Assisted suicide is dangerous because vulnerable people feel pressured to end their lives and avoid being a ‘burden’. This danger will become even more profound without the physical presence of a doctor.”

SPUC will be producing a briefing to help people in Scotland respond to the consultation.