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."

News
What we don’t know about Noah’s Ark
What we don’t know about Noah’s Ark

The story of Noah’s Ark is one of the most well-known Bible stories and has been retold in songs, children’s storybooks, cartoons, and films. Many people think they know the story; however, there are many things we simply do not know. This is the story …

Chin human rights group takes Myanmar junta to court over killings, rapes
Chin human rights group takes Myanmar junta to court over killings, rapes

The Chin have been badly treated throughout much of Myanmar's post-independence history.

Sir Brian Souter says the nation is 'seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity'
Sir Brian Souter says the nation is 'seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity'

Sir Brian Souter, the founder of Stagecoach and Megabus, has spoken candidly about the role of Christian faith in business and his view that Britain’s increasingly secular culture may be giving rise to a renewed and more authentic form of Christianity.

Report reveals religious and political shifts in UK
Report reveals religious and political shifts in UK

Faith identity and ideology "are assuming a more significant role in shaping political allegiance, civic participation, and the wider culture", a new report has found.