Ruth Maguire
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“As well as the casework that I receive from citizens who are not currently having their needs met by the health and social care services, I have direct experience of living with a diagnosis that will not be cured. My life will be shortened—I do not like saying that out loud, especially in front of you lot, but it is a fact.”
Scottish Parliament17 March 2026Source ↗
“I share that thought in the full knowledge that people in my situation are not a homogeneous group and because I want colleagues to consider, if it weighs so heavily on me, as someone in a position of financial privilege with a large, loving family who are able to care for each other— indeed, as someone whose job it has been for 10 years…”
Scottish Parliament17 March 2026Source ↗
“Are we really going to be a country where the state funds dying while hospice care relies on charity? Consent, choice, free will and autonomy are not experienced equally by all.”
Scottish Parliament17 March 2026Source ↗
“I start by sharing my respect for Liam McArthur; I find him to be a good parliamentarian and a good man. However, I must also say that it remains a fact that consent, choice, free will and autonomy are not being experienced equally by all.”
Scottish Parliament17 March 2026Source ↗
“I did not get into politics to talk about myself and my own feelings; this is certainly not a natural space for me to be in, arguing against something that I am fearful of rather than for something that I believe will bring about a positive change or protect people.”
Scottish Parliament17 March 2026Source ↗
“Furthermore, the substances to be used and whether any use would be unlicensed or off-label are still to be determined. It is possible that they could be substances that a pharmacist cannot supply—for example, a schedule 1 controlled drug—which could make that restrictive definition difficult.”
Scottish Parliament11 March 2026Source ↗