Scottish Catholic Observer

Members of ALERT, Distant Voices and Not Dead Yet UK are behind a venture to post billboards in nine cities across the United Kingdom, including Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The message is particularly relevant in Scotland as last week MSP Margo MacDonald received the backing of 18 other MSPs for her fresh attempt to legalise assisted sucicde here. Their support will allow her to present a second bill on the issue to the Scottish Parliament, in spite of Church opposition. The Independent Lothians MSP, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, failed to secure the necessary support to pass her first draft on the controversial legislation at Holyrood in December 2010.

The new billboards showing a silhouette of a person with the caption: What is the cost of Euthanasia? You are! The purpose of the campaign is to oppose the legalisation of euthanasia in the UK and to inform the public of the dangers involved in its use.

The billboards will appear for two weeks between October 14 and November 1 in London, Liverpool, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle upon Tyne, Telford and Manchester.

Nikki Kenward of Distant Voices campaign groups said euthanasia was an increasingly important issues to many.

“Euthanasia might not be on your mind today, tomorrow or as you go about your daily life, but if it is legalised it will be in your life, part of your life, or taking your life,| she said. “So take a moment to ask yourself, is it time to speak now, can I take the risk of keeping quiet?”

Distant Voices are also seeking ‘envoys’ to place themselves in town and city centres on Saturday October 27, a day of action, and speak to members of the public about the dangers of euthanasia.

—To become an envoy please contact Nikki Kenward and her team on 01588 660528 or email [email protected]