The Free Church of Scotland’s Public Engagement Group (PEG) has responded to the Scottish Parliament’s Palliative Care Matters for All consultation.
The aims of the proposed Government are that by 2030:
- Adults and children in Scotland have more equitable access to well-coordinated, timely and high-quality palliative care, care around dying and bereavement support based on what matters to them, including support for families and carers.
- Scotland is a place where people, families and communities can support each other, take action and talk more openly about planning ahead, serious illnesses or health conditions, dying and bereavement.
- Adults and children have opportunities to plan for future changes in their life, health and care with their families and carers.
The Public Engagement Group welcomed the opportunity to respond to the consultation, adding: “We affirm the importance of compassionate, equitable, and holistic care for individuals at all stages of life, particularly during times of serious illness, dying, and bereavement.”
The Group said the aims outlined in the strategy “align with many of our core values”. It also offered a number of reflections about the proposal.
PEG said: “We strongly support the aim to provide more equitable access to well-coordinated, timely, and high-quality palliative care, care around dying, and bereavement support. Such care is essential for affirming the dignity and value of every individual, irrespective of their circumstances. We encourage the strategy to explicitly integrate spiritual care as a core component of holistic palliative care, recognizing that spiritual well-being is fundamental, particularly in end-of-life contexts; prioritize practical measures to ensure equitable access for those in rural and remote areas, as well as for individuals from marginalized or underserved communities.”
The Group said: “We believe that the sanctity of human life requires equitable care for all, without discrimination, and we commend the strategy for addressing this critical need.”
It said: “The aim to create a culture in Scotland where individuals, families, and communities can openly discuss planning ahead, serious illnesses, dying, and bereavement resonates deeply with our pastoral mission. Churches have long been places where these conversations naturally occur, supported by the shared values of compassion, mutual care, and hope. We encourage the strategy to recognize and engage faith communities as key partners in fostering these discussions.
“We also emphasize the need for public education and community initiatives that approach these sensitive topics with care, offering guidance rooted in compassion and respect for the inherent worth of every individual.”
The Group affirmed the aim to provide adults and children with opportunities to plan for future changes in their life, health, and care. It said: “Future care planning is essential for ensuring that individuals’ wishes are respected and that care aligns with their values and needs. It is also vital to provide clear guidelines and support for families and carers to participate meaningfully in these discussions, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
“Safeguards are also required to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not pressured into decisions that may not reflect their true wishes or best interests. Moreover, it must be recognised that as people come to terms with a terminal diagnosis their views can change and any plan requires to be adjusted. Churches are well-placed to provide pastoral care and spiritual guidance during these conversations, helping individuals and families navigate difficult decisions with faith and hope.”
The Group said: “While we support the strategy’s focus on palliative care, we urge caution and clarity to ensure that the strategy is not conflated with or used to advance practices such as assisted dying. The Free Church opposes any measures that undermine the sanctity of life, and we call for the strategy to reinforce its commitment to ethical care that respects life at all stages. Proposals to introduce assisted suicide fundamentally undermine or devalue excellent palliative care. There is increasing international evidence from jurisdictions where physician assisted suicide and/ or physician administered euthanasia are legal, that there is a significant negative impact on palliative care.”
“In conclusion, we commend the strategy for its focus on equitable, holistic, and compassionate care. We stand ready to support its implementation through pastoral care, advocacy, and community engagement. By working together, we can ensure that the people of Scotland receive the care, dignity, and support they need, particularly in their most vulnerable times.”
To view the full response, go to: Palliative-Care-Matters-for-All-FCOS-Response-.pdf
- The Free Church of Scotland continues to oppose attempts to introduce Assisted Dying both in Holyrood and Westminster and recently submitted evidence in response to the Public Bill Committee’s call for evidence on Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.