Valuing life
I read with interest the column by Professor Ben Colburn entitled “Assisted dying bill must not fail because of wealthy and well-connected opponents” (Scotsman Online, 23 June). In this, he indicates that Scotland should uphold compassion, dignity and a respect for individual autonomy. These are principles with which, I am sure, most persons in Scotland would agree. But compassion, in Latin, means suffering with another person. Not ending his or her life because society agrees it has become a life unworthy of life.
Moreover, Prof Colburn writes that assisted suicide should be legalised because certain persons may be trapped in a body wracked with pain. But, again, this is not the experience of those receiving appropriate and compassionate palliative care in a Scottish hospice.
The real argument behind Prof Colburn’s column is one of individual autonomy. But absolutist autonomy in deciding when a life has any value, as is required for assisted suicide, undermines the very concept of the equal value and worth of all human life. A concept which is vital for civilised society to survive. Indeed, it is only because we value the human life of a person that we even respect his or her autonomy.
This means that the concept of the equal value and worth of all life must have priority over absolutist autonomy. If this was not the case, the value of human life may become totally subjective. It may even become very cheap, as is already happening in some countries that have legalised assisted suicide.
This all means that Scotland’s laws do not lag behind those of civilised nations, as is suggested by Prof Colburn. Of course, those in favour of assisted suicide are entitled to their beliefs but they should not impose these views on everyone else – views which would undermine the equality and value of all human life.
(Dr) Calum Mackellar Director of Research, Scottish Council on Human Bioethics
Edinburgh