We are delighted that a once-in-a-generation bill to legalise assisted dying in Scotland has passed a first-stage vote.
In a huge win for choice and compassion, the bill passed by 70 votes to 56, with one abstention. This ensures the very real prospect of assisted dying laws in Scotland being passed in the next few months.
Campaigners for end-of-life choice now want the chance to help lawmakers create the best and most watertight possible bill. We acknowledge the fears some vulnerable groups feel around this bill. But a terminal-illness only assisted dying model of the type proposed by Liam McArthur poses no threat, and no risk of expansion.
We have also overcome a wave of misinformation and scaremongering from reactionary religious forces on this issue. Evangelical and fundamentalist opponents have sown doubts and fears which have thankfully not swayed the opinions of MSPs.
The bill will now be passed back to Holyrood’s health committee for stage-two amendments, followed by a final, stage-three vote. We expect this process to conclude during the current calendar year. If the stage-three vote passes, the law will receive royal assent and become law.
Humanist Society Scotland CEO Fraser Sutherland says:
“Today’s vote is a major step forward towards choice and compassion at the end of life in Scotland. Liam McArthur’s assisted dying bill now has a great chance of becoming law.
“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 campaign 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.”
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