ASSISTED dying has been in the news and it was also the topic of a meeting of Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary.
Dr Rhona Winnington spoke to the club on the proposed Assisted Dying Bill in Scotland.
She is a senior lecturer at UWS in Dumfries. Her background includes as a registered nurse in emergency in Manchester and 18 years in New Zealand within community palliative care before returning to this area in February this year. Whilst in New Zealand she gained experience there with Assisted Dying which was introduced in 2021 in New Zealand and is now involved in Scotland. The official title is the Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill 2024.
A club spokesman said: “The subject certainly gained a great deal of discussion and debate at the meeting for what is a highly emotive and contentious subject which will continue to split opinion even if legal.”
Rhona was able to compare the legislation in other countries in comparison to the proposed Scottish bill, as well as the experience and take up in other countries, including Canada, Australia, and Netherlands.
Jock Simpson provided a vote of thanks for a stimulating talk which provided much thought and discussion.
More information on the Assisted Dying Bill in Scotland can be found at: www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s6/assisted-dying-for-terminally-ill-adults-scotland-bill
