On 17 March 2026, the Scottish Parliament rejected the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill at Stage 3, with 69 MSPs voting against, 57 voting in favour, and one abstention. The bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, would have permitted terminally ill, mentally competent adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request assistance to end their lives, subject to safeguards.
In May 2025, the legislation passed Stage 1 with a vote of 70 to 56, approving its core principles. Stage 3 involved extensive debate across multiple sessions, with over 300 amendments discussed, including a late change to limit eligibility to those with a six-month prognosis.
Supporters, including McArthur and Scottish Conservative MSP Sandesh Gulhane (a practising GP who chaired the bill’s medical advisory group), argued that the bill was carefully drafted with solid safeguards. They claimed it would offer compassion and dignity to those facing terminal illness, ease severe suffering, prevent unsafe travel abroad for assisted dying, and ensure proper oversight rather than unchecked deaths.
Gulhane stated: “Choice matters. This bill represents years of work, consultation and scrutiny. It offers compassion, safeguards and dignity for those facing the end of life.”
Opponents, including disabled MSP Jeremy Balfour and some SNP and Conservative members, raised concerns about risks of coercion, especially for disabled or vulnerable people, potential pressure on individuals to avoid being a burden, and changes to the doctor-patient relationship. They argued that no safeguards could fully eliminate the risk of abuse.
Balfour, who was born without a left arm and with a shortened right arm, said disabled people felt “terrified” by the proposals and warned that the bill could open Pandora’s box with insufficient protections against coercion. “I’m begging you to consider the consequences for the most vulnerable,” he said.
Many MSPs opposing the bill emphasised the need to prioritise improvements in palliative care, social care, and protections for vulnerable groups before any change to the law.
After the vote, campaign groups on both sides issued statements. Dignity in Dying expressed disappointment but reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing reform, citing strong public support in some polls. Opponents like Right To Life UK and CARE for Scotland welcomed the result, viewing it as a safeguard for vulnerable individuals.
The bill was subject to a free (conscience) vote, with no party whips. This marks the latest in several unsuccessful attempts to introduce assisted suicide legislation in Scotland, though it progressed further than previous efforts. Attention may now (and should) shift towards improving palliative care.
*Written by Family First staff*
