Edinburgh Union Votes for Assisted Dying Amid Accessibility Concerns

On March 11, 2024, the Edinburgh Union held its second debate, focusing on proposed assisted dying legislation currently progressing through the House of Lords. The motion, titled “This House Supports Assisted Dying,” received overwhelming support, with 61 votes in favor and 37 against. Notably, Dr. Miro Griffiths, a disabled academic and former adviser to two UK governments, was unable to participate due to inaccessibility issues at the venue, Rainy Hall.

Dr. Griffiths was prepared to argue against the motion, highlighting the potential implications of assisted dying for disabled individuals. His exclusion from the debate underscores ongoing challenges regarding accessibility in public spaces. In his remarks, he pointed out the irony of being barred from a discussion that directly affects the disabled community. He stated, “It wasn’t a surprise, because there are so many inaccessible spaces. However, it was quite poignant that I couldn’t attend, given the impact of this bill on disabled people.”

The debate featured prominent speakers, including Scottish National Party (SNP) Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Kenneth Gibson, who argued in favor of assisted dying, and Gordon MacDonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, alongside Dr. Fiona MacCormick, a palliative medicine consultant, who opposed the motion.

The assisted dying debate has gained traction across the UK, with various bills introduced in both Holyrood and Westminster. In Scotland, the proposal recently passed its first stage in parliament, receiving 70 votes in favor and 56 against. The issue remains divisive, with opposition from figures such as First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, while support has been voiced by Conservative leader Russell Findlay and Liberal Democrat chief Alex Cole-Hamilton.

In response to Dr. Griffiths’ absence, the Edinburgh Union expressed regret and acknowledged the limitations posed by the venue’s accessibility. They stated that efforts were made to accommodate his participation, but Rainy Hall is operated by the University of Edinburgh.

Despite the controversy surrounding accessibility, the Edinburgh Union characterized the debate as successful, with a spokesperson noting the audience’s engagement and the thoughtful insights presented by the speakers. The Union aims to foster open discussions on critical issues, with upcoming events including debates on topics such as “This House Believes ‘Make America Great Again’ Will Cause America’s Decline” and “This House Regrets Brexit.”

Dr. Griffiths’ experience highlights a significant issue within the discourse on assisted dying. As he articulated, “Disabled people often struggle to make their voices heard, and that has an impact on how they view themselves and whether or not they feel their life is worth living.” This situation exemplifies the broader societal challenges surrounding accessibility and representation for disabled individuals in critical conversations.

As the assisted dying debate continues to unfold, the need for inclusive dialogue remains paramount, ensuring that all voices, particularly those from marginalized communities, are heard and considered in shaping legislation that profoundly impacts their lives.