PROPOSALS for an assisted dying law in Scotland would “give rise to profound injustices.”

The Better Way campaign group issued the warning in its submission to Holyrood’s health committee, as it begins its scrutiny of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, tabled by Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur.

Mr McArthur argues it will “give terminally ill, mentally competent adults the option to control the manner and timing of their death” and offer “greater choice and compassion” in end-of-life care.

Opponents, however, caution that terminal illness is “poorly defined” and proposals could put vulnerable people under pressure to take their own life.

Better Way spokesman Dr Miro Griffiths said: “Proponents of this legislation say it addresses unresolved issues and provides suitable safeguards.

“We reject these claims. Assisted dying is inherently, and unavoidably, unsafe.

“There is no way to rule out abuses and mistakes, coercion, and people dying through pressures arising in society.

“Supporting Liam McArthur’s legislation will open the door to irreversible unjust deaths.”