MSP Calls on Parliament to Back Historic Assisted Dying Legislation
Liam McArthur, the MSP spearheading efforts to grant terminally ill Scots the right to assisted dying, has passionately urged his parliamentary colleagues to "rise to the challenge" and support his Bill as it approaches a decisive final vote at Holyrood. In a statement to the Press Association, Mr McArthur emphasised that a change in the law is "long overdue and desperately needed," arguing that the current ban leaves dying individuals and their families facing horrific decisions.
Final Vote Expected Amid Tight Margins
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill is scheduled for its stage three vote in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday evening, with a close result anticipated. All MSPs have been granted a free vote, meaning they are not bound by party whips, which adds an element of uncertainty to the outcome. Mr McArthur warned that rejecting the Bill would leave terminally ill Scots "more at risk, more isolated and more vulnerable," and he expressed hope that Parliament would address what he sees as a critical failing in existing legislation.
He highlighted that the issue of assisted dying is persistent, stating: "I think it's safe to assume that as we go forward, there are more people who find themselves facing horrendous decisions at the end of life who are desperate for more choice." If passed, Mr McArthur claims the Bill would establish the most heavily safeguarded assisted dying law globally, with requirements including confirmation from two doctors that a person is terminally ill and possesses the mental capacity to make such a request.
Opposition Voices Concerns Over Vulnerable Groups
Outside the Scottish Parliament, opponents of the legislation gathered to voice their fears about its potential impact on disabled and other vulnerable individuals. Dr Gordon McDonald, chief executive of the campaign group Care Not Killing, labelled the Bill as "dangerous" and "too risky," urging MSPs with any doubts to vote against it. He argued that vulnerable people could be put at risk due to coercion, depression, or feelings of being a burden.
Mark McManus, a 41-year-old supporter of Care Not Killing who has cerebral palsy, expressed concerns about unintended consequences, such as effects on funding for accessible housing and care, and the relationship between clinicians and disabled people. Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced her intention to vote against the Bill, citing increased risks after MSPs rejected critical safeguards last week. She pointed to opposition from medical professionals, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Royal Pharmaceutical Society, who have dedicated their careers to compassionate care.
Legislative Changes and Historical Context
Last week, MSPs made significant amendments to the Bill during four lengthy sessions, agreeing on a total of 175 changes. One key adjustment now requires that individuals be "reasonably expected" to have six months or less to live to be eligible for an assisted death. This marks the third time MSPs have considered assisted dying legislation, with two previous attempts failing at their first vote. As the final hurdle approaches, Mr McArthur remains hopeful, reflecting on the stories of terminally ill Scots and their families that have driven his campaign over the past five years.
