How I Will Vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill

May 13

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On Tuesday (13/05/2025), MSPs will consider and debate the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1.

I commend Liam McArthur MSP for bringing the Bill forward, and the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee for their thorough scrutiny of the Bill’s provisions and detailed Stage 1 report.

It is clear both advocates for and against a change in the law are motivated by compassion.

I am immensely grateful to all my constituents who have shared their views and reflections on the Bill in a considered and constructive way, this has clearly been deeply personal for many.

In recent months I have considered the provisions of the Bill with particular regard to personal choice and autonomy; safeguards and oversight of the legislation should the Bill be passed.

I have also considered all sides of this complex debate, reading and listening to a wide range of perspectives and opinions drawn from personal experiences of loss, professional and academic experts, and international models of practice.

It is clear to me that in recent years the dial has shifted on public awareness of assisted dying and that there is a strong case that Scotland should have a clear legislative framework that removes the uncertainty associated with the current situation.

At this stage, while some of the concerns raised during Committee scrutiny will be addressed through amendments, others are more fundamental and therefore at this stage I am unable to fully commit to supporting the Bill at it’s final stage, should it pass at Stage 1 this week.

However, it is crucial the Parliament facilitates the most robust scrutiny of the Bill and subsequent amendments coming forward, therefore I can confirm that to allow this important process to continue, I will support the Bill at Stage 1.