MSPs Prepare for Final Amendments to Assisted Dying Bill
Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are set to begin the first of three extensive sessions to consider amendments to a Bill that would legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults.
If enacted, the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill would permit mentally competent adults with terminal illnesses to seek assistance to end their lives.
The legislation, introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, is anticipated to proceed to a final vote next week.
Before that, MSPs must review approximately 300 proposed amendments to the Bill, which will be debated over three days starting Tuesday. The Scottish Parliament is expected to sit until 22:00 during each session.
The Bill has been a subject of controversy and narrowly passed its stage one vote with 70 votes in favour and 56 against in May of the previous year.
Under the current provisions, two independent medical professionals must confirm that an individual is terminally ill and possesses the mental capacity to make the decision before assistance can be provided.
McArthur, representing Orkney, has expressed support for an amendment that would restrict access to those with six months or less to live.
Other MSPs have voiced concerns regarding safeguarding measures and the risk of coercion of terminally ill individuals.
"This is the right Bill at the right time. It's time to give terminally ill Scots that compassionate choice,"McArthur said.
"Over the last five years, it has drawn record levels of public consultation and engagement with stakeholders as well as going through a comprehensive parliamentary process.
MSPs must not hunt for excuses as this issue is certainly not going away."
"The legislation had already been subjected to five years of scrutiny and urged MSPs to avoid 'kicking the can down the road' when it came to the final vote."
Supporters and opponents of the Bill have gathered outside the Scottish Parliament ahead of each stage of the legislative process.
Since its initial proposal, several amendments have been made to the legislation. Notably, the minimum age for eligibility has been raised from 16 to 18 years old.
Additionally, eligible individuals must have been residents in Scotland for at least 12 months and be registered with a Scottish general practitioner.
MSPs will have a free vote on the Bill, meaning they will not be subject to party whips.
Last year, prior to the stage one vote, the First Minister expressed opposition to the Bill.
John Swinney stated concerns that vulnerable individuals in society might feel like a burden and could feel pressured to end their lives prematurely.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has also announced his intention to vote against the Bill.
On Monday, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay confirmed he would not support the Bill, reversing his previous support at stage one.
Various forms of assisted dying are already legal in countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Similar legislation was approved by MPs in the UK House of Commons in 2024 but has since experienced slow progress.
Lawmakers in Jersey, part of the Channel Islands, passed their version of assisted dying legislation last month.
