Key Summary
- RPS in Scotland opposes the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill after key protections for pharmacists were removed.
- The organisation says pharmacists must have clear rights to conscientiously object to taking part in assisted dying.
- It is urging MSPs to reconsider the concerns before the vote on 17 March.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland has opposed the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill following the removal of vital protections to safeguard pharmacists who may wish to conscientiously object.
The RPS has a neutral take on the principle of assisted dying, but not on the process.
It has been actively involved in the legislative process and strongly advocated for the rights of pharmacists who may, or may not, wish to take part in assisted dying.
However, despite their efforts, the final Bill, which will be voted on 17 March, will not contain vital protections for pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, who may wish to conscientiously object to taking part in the assisted dying process.
Section 15 (1A), which would have ensured that a registered pharmacist supplied the substance for use in the process, was removed from the Bill.
RPS has cited these concerns to oppose the bill and called upon the MSPs to carefully consider their concerns before deciding to vote on the legislation, which would allow terminally ill, mentally competent adults to seek to end their lives.
