EDINBURGH — The Scottish Parliament has taken a major step toward legalising assisted dying after MSPs voted 70 to 56 in favour of advancing the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill in its first parliamentary hurdle on Tuesday.
The outcome followed five hours of impassioned debate across party lines, with emotions running high in a chamber historically divided on the matter. The bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, seeks to allow terminally ill adults in Scotland to seek medical assistance to end their lives — a seismic shift in end-of-life policy for the country.
One lawmaker abstained in the vote. A final decision on the bill is expected later this year, after a period of detailed scrutiny and potential amendments.
“This is a landmark moment for Scotland,” said McArthur, addressing Holyrood moments after the vote. “This bill is about offering choice, compassion, and dignity for a small number of terminally ill Scots at the end of their lives.”
Two-Doctor Safeguard, Mental Capacity Test
Under the current draft of the bill:
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Assisted dying would be permitted for adults diagnosed with a terminal illness.
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Two independent doctors must agree the person is mentally competent to make such a request.
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The process must be voluntary, informed, and not influenced by external pressure.
The safeguards are designed to address concerns voiced by religious groups, medical associations, and some disability advocates, who warn of potential abuse or coercion.
Notably, First Minister John Swinney voted against the bill but did not impose a party line, allowing members of the SNP, Labour, Conservatives, Greens, and Lib Dems to vote according to conscience — a rare political consensus on neutrality.
Scotland Joins a Shifting UK Landscape
The vote marks Scotland’s third attempt to legislate for assisted dying after previous bills failed in 2010 and 2015. It places the country ahead of the rest of the UK in advancing this kind of legislation.
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Assisted suicide remains illegal in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
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In March 2025, the Isle of Man became the first British territory to pass a bill allowing assisted dying, though it still awaits royal assent.
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Westminster MPs held a first reading of similar legislation in November 2024, but it has yet to move beyond early stages.
Scotland, which has devolved authority over health and justice policy, could now lead the UK on the contentious issue.
Divided Public Opinion, Growing Support
Polling over the past decade has shown a steady rise in public support for assisted dying, especially among younger and middle-aged voters. However, opposition remains strong from faith-based groups, parts of the medical community, and disability rights campaigners.
Outside Holyrood on Tuesday, protesters from both sides of the debate gathered — including Doctor Geri Hignett, who stood with placards opposing the bill, warning of a “slippery slope” in weakening protections for vulnerable individuals.
Opposition groups fear that even with safeguards, normalising assisted death could exert subtle societal pressure on older or disabled people to choose death over long-term care.
“The risks are too high. Life is sacred, and no legislation can completely guard against abuse,” said one campaigner holding a sign reading ‘Care, Don’t Kill’.
Supporters, meanwhile, argue that the current legal framework criminalises compassion and forces dying individuals to endure unnecessary suffering or seek help abroad.
What Comes Next
With the first vote passed, the bill will now proceed to the committee stage, where MSPs can propose amendments. Detailed scrutiny is expected on eligibility criteria, oversight mechanisms, and the role of healthcare providers.
If it survives the second and final vote — which could take place in autumn 2025 — Scotland will become the first jurisdiction in the UK to legalise assisted dying, subject to royal assent and implementation planning.
Until then, assisting a suicide in Scotland remains a criminal offence potentially punishable by prosecution for voluntary homicide.
