The Scottish Parliament has voted in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. Members of the Assisted Dying Coalition have welcomed the vote.
MSPs voted 70 in favour, 56 against on Stage 1 of the Bill, which is about general principles. There will be another two rounds of voting and amendments before the Bill passes fully. No Assisted Dying Bill in Scotland has ever made it past Stage 1.
Emma Cooper, Convenor of Friends at the End, said:
‘Today is a landmark moment for compassion, dignity, and choice in Scotland. As someone who has seen firsthand the pain that can accompany the end of life, I know how vital it is that we give people the right to die on their own terms. This Bill is not about giving up, it’s about empowering those who are dying to have control, peace, and a say in their final days. While this is not yet law, passing Stage 1 means the Scottish Parliament now has the opportunity to consider amendments and work together to create the right legislation for Scotland. On behalf of Friends at the End, we welcome this historic step forward and stand with all those who have waited so long for this moment.’
Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:
‘Today’s decision is a monumental step forward for human rights and compassion. This victory demonstrates Scotland’s leadership in recognising the fundamental right of terminally ill individuals to make dignified and autonomous choices about their own deaths. No-one should be forced to suffer at the end of life, and this law ensures that terminally ill adults will now have greater control and peace of mind.’
Glasgow-based Kevan Donoghue died at age 64, 18 months after a shock diagnosis of a rare bile duct cancer. Suffering from constant pain, Kevin died after not eating or drinking for three weeks as a result of his illness. His wife, ex-nurse Patricia Donoghue, suffers from PTSD following her husband’s death. Commenting on the vote, Patricia Donoghue said:
‘I am relieved and pleased with this result. It is a significant step forward for supporters of this legislation. It won’t immediately change the law, but it indicates real backing in the Scottish Parliament to continue refining and debating the Bill. It is a major milestone as previous attempts in Scotland have failed. Scotland is moving towards legally assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The hard work continues.’
Introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill is a Private Member’s Bill. It will allow terminally ill adults in Scotland to lawfully request, and be provided with, assistance by health professionals to end their own life.
Westminster will debate amendments to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which will apply to England and Wales, at Report Stage on Friday 16 May. Assisted dying legislation in the Isle of Man passed in March and is awaiting royal assent.
Humanists UK, My Death, My Decision, Humanist Society Scotland, and Friends at the End are all part of the Assisted Dying Coalition, a group of organisations across the UK and Crown Dependencies who campaign for a compassionate assisted dying law
Notes:
Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request
For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033 (media only).
Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
