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.
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.
Fraser Sutherland, Chief Executive of Humanist Society Scotland, said:
‘Today’s vote is a major step forward in the fight for compassion and choice at the end of life in Scotland.
‘This is a victory for everyone who wants to see an end to needless pain and suffering for the terminally ill. It’s a victory for those who believe in human rights and bodily autonomy at every stage of life. And, most important of all, if a law passes, which is not yet certain, it will bring peace and comfort to countless people in Scotland at the end of their lives, and to the people who care about them.
‘We are delighted, but not complacent. Now Humanist Society Scotland and our allies in the fight for end of life choice will redouble efforts to convince wavering lawmakers and members of the public with reasonable concerns that assisted dying is the right thing for Scotland.’
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, said:
‘The Scottish Parliament has made history today. Its vote in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill marks a significant advance in personal freedom of choice and freedom from suffering. We congratulate Liam McArthur and everyone who has campaigned tirelessly for this humane and ethically responsible law and hope that MPs in Westminster will take heart and be fortified in their own ongoing efforts to secure an assisted dying law in England and Wales.’
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.’
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.’
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.’
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
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaigner Nathan Stilwell at nathan@humanists.uk or phone 07456200033 (media enquiries only).
If you have been affected by the current assisted dying legislation, and want to use your story to support a change in the law, please email campaigns@humanists.uk.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 130,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.
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.
Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision are both members of the Assisted Dying Coalition, along with Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, My Death, My Decision Isle of Man and End of Life Choices Jersey.