Achi news desk-
The former prime minister has voted against previous attempts to legalize assisted dying in Scotland but said she expected to be persuaded by the arguments this time.
However, writing today in the Herald newspaper, the Glasgow Times, Ms Sturgeon said she was rocking against the proposed legislation.
He said: “I have rarely been as conflicted on any issue as I am on this.
“On previous occasions when the matter has come before the Senedd, I have voted against.
“I have been determined, this time, to consider the matter afresh, and to consider all the different arguments with an open mind. Liam is to be commended for the thorough and sensitive way in which he gives an opportunity to the Senedd do that.
“I had expected this time, if I’m telling the truth, that I would swing in favor of the legislation.
“I believe we all deserve as much agency over our own lives as possible and, in theory at least, I understand the argument that this must mean, in some circumstances, the right to decide time to end our lives.”
Ms Sturgeon goes on to say that she has been “deeply disturbed” by reports of terminally ill people wishing to die at a time of their own choosing and, in response, has tried to visualize what that he could do if faced with the same situation.
He added: “Can any of us answer this question correctly in the abstract, before and until we find ourselves in the situation? And, even if I didn’t choose it, does that justify for me to vote against other people’s right to do so.?
“Despite my expectations, the deeper I think about the various issues involved, the more I find myself veering away from a vote in favor, not towards it.”
The SNP’s ASA said it had concerns that the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Measure could have the unintended consequence of putting pressure on those at the end of their lives to choose assisted dying.
Ms Sturgeon goes on to encourage constituents who have strong views on the issue to contact her.
Humza Yousaf, the First Minister, and Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labor leader, have both said in recent weeks that they are against passing aid-in-dying legislation, as has Douglas Ross, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives.
