by Bill Heaney
Liam McArthur MSP, pictured right, has today welcomed confirmation from the Scottish Parliament’s business bureau that consideration of amendments on his Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Scots bill will take place from Tuesday 10th March, with a final vote on the bill anticipated to take place on Tuesday 17th March.
The news comes as the Welsh Senedd voted in favour of implementing Westminster’s assisted dying bill on 24th February and Jersey voted to introduce assisted dying by a two-third majority on 26th February. This follows the Isle of Man voting to introduce assisted dying in March 2025.
Liam McArthur MSP said: “I’m pleased that after almost five years of careful development, it is almost time for the final vote on my bill.
“Elected parliamentarians in Westminster, in the Welsh Senedd, in the Isle of Man and in Jersey have now backed assisted dying. MSPs have engaged constructively and seriously on this issue over the course of this parliament, but cannot now look dying Scots in the eye and say it’s all too complicated.
“The bill I have put forward is compassionate and well-safeguarded. As always, however, I’m committed to speaking with any colleague who has questions or concerns to see how these might be addressed.
“We now have a commitment from the UK Government to pass into law the protections for medics wishing to opt in or not to participate which form part of reserved responsibilities. The new law cannot come into force until these are passed, giving an assurance that the choice and protection at the heart of this bill extends to medical staff as well as to dying people.
“I recognise this is a difficult decision for colleagues who want to do the right thing. I urge them not to hunt for excuses to vote against a bill that will put in protections and choice that do not currently exist for too many dying Scots. MSPs must recognise that voting down this bill will only leave those individuals and their families isolated, vulnerable and at risk of trauma.
“We have the opportunity next month to follow the lead of states and countries around the world and put in place greater choice, dignity and compassion at the end of life. As we reach the end of this parliamentary session, I hope MSPs will grasp that opportunity and deliver the change that an overwhelming majority of Scots wish to see.”
The Catholic Church and Scotland’s other Chrn Churches have urged their members not to support the Bill.
Assisted dying will help clear the burden of the elderly. Of that there is no doubt.
But moving on along the spectrum how long before the termination adults with disability. They too cost a lot.
Its all part of the process to rid the country of its detritus. And I deliberately use that word, because old people, disabled people are to many just that. And this bill very much makes provision to reduce the sanctity of life.
But suicide they say is painless.