Scottish Assisted Dying Bill passes first vote

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.

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 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.’

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.’

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.

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.