An attempt by a politician who suffers from Parkinson’s disease to legalise assisted suicide is set to fail, according to a survey suggesting that it is opposed by a majority of MSPs.

The poll of 97 of Holyrood’s 129 members found that 55 were against the legislation proposed by the nationalist MSP Margo MacDonald. Only 19 MSPs said they supported her plans while 23 were undecided.

MacDonald, who believes terminally-ill people should be given the choice to end their own lives, hopes to table a bill in the Scottish parliament to legalise physician-assisted suicide.

The proposed legislation is aimed at people with degenerative conditions and terminal illnesses and dependent trauma victims. MacDonald believes they should have the right to shorten their life if it becomes intolerable without fear that carers who assist them could be prosecuted.

However, the move has been criticised by MSPs and church leaders. The survey of MSPs was compiled by the Care Not Killing Alliance, a collection of disability and human rights organisations, healthcare and faith-based organisations.

Gordon Macdonald, the group’s policy officer, said: “Many MSPs are concerned about the impact of Margo’s bill on vulnerable people. It is not possible to guarantee safeguards to protect people from real or imagined pressure to end their life.”

Despite opposition, MacDonald said she had secured enough support to ensure her End of Life Choices bill is debated in parliament.

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