Former MSP who lost four children speaks out against assisted suicide

Dennis Canavan has suffered the loss of four children. (Photo: ITV)

A former MSP who has suffered the deaths of four of his children is advocating against assisted suicide.

Dennis Canavan, 79, said that assisted suicide was not necessary to "ensure dignity in death". 

The former independent MSP lost his 16-year-old son Paul to skin cancer in 1989. In 2006, his son Dennis died at the age of 35 from a brain tumour.

In 2007, his eldest son Mark died at the age of 41 from motor neurone disease. Ten years later, his daughter Ruth died at the age of 49. Her cause of death was not disclosed. 

He shared his experience at a recent event by Care Not Killing, which is campaigning against Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur's efforts to change the law on assisted suicide in Scotland. 

"I have probably had more than my fair share of deaths in my family, having suffered the loss of four children, three of them as the result of terminal illness," he said. 

"However, I found the standard of NHS care to be excellent and the standard of palliative care in our local Strathcarron Hospice was first class.

"My children undoubtedly underwent some pain but it was minimised by caring health professionals.

"As a result, my children died in dignity and I do not accept that the option of assisted suicide is necessary to ensure dignity in death."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
King Charles tells US Congress Christianity is his ‘firm anchor and daily inspiration’ during historic Washington address
King Charles tells US Congress Christianity is his ‘firm anchor and daily inspiration’ during historic Washington address

King Charles III declared that Christianity remains a “firm anchor and daily inspiration” in his life as he delivered a landmark address to a joint session of the United States Congress during his first official state visit to the US as monarch.

Christians urge international action over deepening humanitarian crisis in Iran
Christians urge international action over deepening humanitarian crisis in Iran

A Christian advocacy group has issued an urgent appeal for international intervention as humanitarian conditions in Iran continue to worsen, warning that shortages of medicine, food and essential supplies are placing millions of vulnerable people at risk.

Coptic Christian YouTuber sentenced to five years in Egypt over faith-based online videos
Coptic Christian YouTuber sentenced to five years in Egypt over faith-based online videos

A man has been sentenced to five years in prison with hard labour in Egypt after posting online videos about Christianity, according to Christian legal advocacy group ADF International.

Pakistan sets up committee to review forced marriage of Christian girl
Pakistan sets up committee to review forced marriage of Christian girl

The number of minority girls abducted every year in Pakistan is unclear.