The Scottish Parliament has voted to reject the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill by 69 votes to 57.
Rt Rev Rosie Frew, right, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “I welcome the news that the Scottish Parliament has chosen not to approve the Assisted Dying Bill.
“In May 2025, the General Assembly reaffirmed its opposition to assisted dying, following extensive Church-wide consideration, lengthy debate and a close vote.
“While there is a diversity of views within the Church, the considered opinion was that we could not support a change in the law.
“Christians believe that every human being is made in the image of God with inherent dignity and worth, this is true for how we live, as well as how we die.
“I recognise that the outcome will be a disappointment to many, but it was clear that the safeguards included did not offer sufficient protection.
“We have been consistent in our position that we need to prioritise the development of excellent palliative care services that are universally available and fully funded.
“Without that, had the Bill passed, we would fear that many vulnerable people might have seen an assisted death as their only realistic option.
“That concern remains and we will continue to advocate for increased funding and availability of palliative care.
“I would like to pay tribute to the hard and diligent work of our MSPs and the staff in the Scottish Parliament who have scrutinised this Bill over the past five years.
“It has been notable how respectfully the debate has been conducted and how gracious opponents have been to one another.
“My hope is that this spirit of kindness, even when there are deep political differences, can continue through the election campaign and beyond.”
Views from the Pews
John Adamson
If this teaches us anything it’s the need for better palliative care. The biggest fear at end of life is effective pain control. This part is often the hardest to get right. Dame Cicely Saunders set the scene many years ago but sadly, work still needs to be done to assure our patients that they won’t die in pain – unfortunately many still do.
Shelagh Campbell
By the comments it appears many were hoping the bill would pass, in many ways I feel tremendously sad that we feel as we do about life. As I know how easy it is to feel life not worth living suffering these days with depression that has developed initially through family difficulties and worsened through working in a poorly run care home witnessing undue suffering through neglect, and no stranger to praying to be removed from this life in some of my darkest moments. However to actually go down the route to legalise and encourage society to feel burdensome if needing end of life care is something I just could not feel right about, knowing how caring for those needing care and love was one of the most rewarding of occupations and leaves in its wake the knowledge that care supposing that is all that can be finally given allows the transition from life to death a valued journey, and actually I was always amazed that the peace that descended even on the most troubled, in the final days could never be mistaken. Best now rather than worry over it we begin to ensure that no one feels a burden and not worth being cared for as the most precious of human life.
Colin Saunders
As members o’ the Kirk, an been elders. My wife and I had hoped this would have been passed. I am living with cancer and my wife has been recently diagnosed with dementia. So as things get worse, a slow lingering, non dignified death for us. An a burden on our family and society dealing with us, and possible bed blockers in the future on an over stretched NHS. Thanks MSPs.
Joan Bishop
What an opportunity lost to offer choice of a dignified death.
To anyone who has worked in Healthcare and waited on a positive outcome of this bill, I am so sorry. I am so so sorry to those who are holding on for a chance to gain some dignity and pass on your own terms I can feel your pain
Susan Smith
You and followers of your church may welcome last night’s vote , but so many of us don’t . No one would be forced to die , worries about coercion are misplaced – we should all have the choice .
Robin Leach
If this had passed, it would have become the slippery slope to expansion over time. I am very relieved today.